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Thomas Earl - "It's Never Too Late" ****
Veteran singer-songwriter Thomas Earl comes from the old school, but don't let that put you off. He cut his teeth back in the 1960's playing coffee-houses in Michigan alongside such artists at Jim Kweskin, Joni Mitchell and John Hammond, Jr. Following a stint producing music events, he left music behind for a time to work in the corporate world. A tentative return to music some three years ago led to a full-time involvement this past year and this excellent seven-track mini-album. The opening "Sing it My Way" has echoes of Gordon Lightfoot, without being a copy is a modern understated folk gem. Equally impressive is the thoughtful "Touchstone" and the bluesy "You're Goin' Down". A talented six and twelve-string guitar picker, alongside his vocal songs, he offer "Low Tide" and "In the Canyon", a couple of short but memorable instrumental pieces. I can't wait for a full-length album --this guy is really good. - Maverick Magazine
WLSO.FM Radio Great new indie music is found in the show today kicking off with an exclusive cut from Thomas Earl and his new CD titled, “It’s Never Too Late” The CD is dedicated to Gordon Parks. Thomas Earl brings his rich vocals and terrific guitar work from his previous CD, “Golddust Magic”. In the style of many of the folk singers of the past Thomas Earl continues the craft of storytelling and raises the bar. Enjoy his music as much as I do! Fourteen other Indie Stars complete the hour. So get on it doggone it and pass this on to another to share the aural pleasure. Have a great Monday! Your Host “Uncle Shag” - WLSO.FM
“Earl is a gifted poet that has the ability to set it all to music in a beautiful and unforgettable way that few artists have the ability or insight to accomplish in one recording.” Golddust Magic is a, “…five star indulgence from start to finish.” Review of Goldust Magic by Keith “Muzikman” Hannaleck.
Thomas Earl grew up in the 60’s and his music has that kind of quality and personality about it on Golddust Magic. I have always remained steadfast that the 60s was the best decade for music and the most important in the development of rock and folk genres.
Earl has a Dave Alvin meets Gordon Lightfoot vocal tone and style that is very appealing, immediately setting you at ease. He gives you comfort and the ability to absorb all the music and words unencumbered by distractions. Right from the melodic opener “On My Way” which leads into the toe-tapping “Fly,” Earl turns on his Golddust Magic. “Fly” is my pick for a single that I think would get tons of airplay. I found it literally impossible to get it out my head after I heard it the first time.
I get the feeling Earl is an old soul, a gifted poet that has the ability to set it all to music in a beautiful and unforgettable way that few artists have the ability or insight to accomplish in one recording.
“Silence In Your Mind” is a very intense composition that sends you into a contemplative mood with provoking music to help it along. I love the line-“Every eye is open, though everyone is blind.” That one line says a lot about mankind and the world we live in today. It is a message that I heard loud and clear. Although it was my own interpretation, I did notice it right away and felt it would hold a lot of meaning for every listener. I cannot speak for others but I just have a feeling that anyone that cares for this kind of music will find tremendous value and enjoyment in every track on this CD.
The production values are good, the musicianship is simple, clear, and defined, taking Earl’s words and molding them into something very special. He receives some great support from a talented group that includes Sean Dixon, Scott Sharrard, and Jerry Krenach (see credits for the multitude of instruments played). Everything that is in addition to Earl’s voice seems to be the perfect compliment on this album, making Golddust Magic a five star indulgence from start to finish.
© MuzikMan-http://www.muzikreviews.com
- Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
“An excellent, talented singer-songwriter…classic songs and performances in the spirit of James Taylor and Gordon Lightfoot.” Review by Liz Redwing, former A&R scout with Atlantic Records. - Liz Redwing - Atlantic Records
“Golddust Magic glitters with years of musical talent…check out Thomas Earl!” – Darryl Cox – KSVR radio. - Darryl Cox KSVR radio
We are pleased to announce that Thomas' Earl's original composition, "Intermezzo" has been named a top ten finalist in the 2006 International Acoustic Music Awards (IAMA) competition in the "Instrumental" category.
IAMA - January 2006.
- IAMA - International Acoustic Music Awards
"Thomas' ballads touch the heart. His song's lyrics are moving, his guitar work sparkling, and his mellow voice haunting. I've enjoyed his CD "Golddust Magic" immensely, and his live performance here was even more captivating. I'm looking forward to his return."
Dave Gibson
- Dave Gibson - Fulton Books Friday Night Music Series
"Craftsmanlike songwriting reinforced by blazing fingerstyle guitar work"
Carl Bethge
Producer - Colony Cafe Second Sunday Songwriters Series, Woodstock, New York - Carl Bethge - Producer
"Thomas' performance was fabulous!" "We are already booking a date for him to return!"
Mike P.
Dockside Pub Music Series - Mike P. Dockside Pub
We are pleased to announce that Thomas' Earl's original composition, "Intermezzo" has been named a top ten finalist in the 2006 International Acoustic Music Awards (IAMA) competition in the "Instrumental" category.
IAMA - January 2006.
- IAMA - International Acoustic Music Awards
The New Jersey Folk Festival has just announced that Thomas Earl has been selected as a winner of their 2008 Singer/Songwriter Showcase. This is the fourteenth year of this showcase event at the oldest continuously held folk festival in New Jersey. The concert will be held on Saturday April 26, 2008 on the sprawling grounds of the Eagleton Institute on the Douglass campus of Rutgers, the State
University, in New Brunswick, NJ. Over 12,000 folk music fans regularly attend this prestigious event. - New Jersey Folk Festival
The New Jersey Folk Festival has just announced that Thomas Earl has been selected as a winner of their 2008 Singer/Songwriter Showcase. This is the fourteenth year of this showcase event at the oldest continuously held folk festival in New Jersey. The concert will be held on Saturday April 26, 2008 on the sprawling grounds of the Eagleton Institute on the Douglass campus of Rutgers, the State
University, in New Brunswick, NJ. Over 12,000 folk music fans regularly attend this prestigious event. - New Jersey Folk Festival
Discography
"Goldust Magic" - CD - released in 2006
"In the Canyon" - single released in 2007
"It's Never Too Late" EP- released January 2011
"A Hole in the Sky" - single - released July 2011
Photos
Bio
REVIEW OF THE NEW EP "It's Never Too Late" - Four Stars! "...An excellent seven-track mini album. "Send it My Way" has echoes of Gordon Lightfoot..a modern understated folk gem. A talented six and twelve-string guitar player, I can't wait for a full length album -- this guy is really good!"
Maverick Magazine
Singer/Songwriter Showcase Featured Artist - New Jersey Folk Festival...
IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) Instrumental Song Finalist...
Video Clips available at www.ThomasEarl.com
"Thomas' ballads touch the heart. His song's lyrics are moving, his guitar work sparkling, and his mellow voice haunting. I've enjoyed his CD "Golddust Magic" immensely, and his live performance here was even more captivating. I'm looking forward to his return."
-Dave Gibson
Fulton Book Company Friday Night Music Series
"Thomas' performance was fabulous!"
-Mike P.
Dockside Pub Music Series
“Thomas Earl’s performance was a welcome addition to our library’s concert series. He is a true folk performer with a gentle voice and memorable guitar playing. The audience thoroughly enjoyed his stories and references to a wide range of music icons and traditions. A fantastic evening!”
-Debra Feiman
Mahopac Public Library
Thomas Earl’s musical journey began in a small town in Michigan outside of Ann Arbor, in the late 1960s, playing in local clubs with then unknown and aspiring musicians such as Joni Mitchell, John Hammond, Jim Kweskin and Maria Muldaur. He continued performing and writing, working both as a solo artist and with various folk, jug band and bluegrass groups.
His experiences included a brief brush with commercial success with a group called “The Woolies”, releasing a cover of “Who do you Love?” As with many struggling musicians who grow into their twenties, Thomas ended up leaving the music industry and moving into a more traditional career in the corporate world.
Three years ago, Thomas moved back to the East Coast and became re-inspired to begin focusing again full time on his music. The result was the CD, “Golddust Magic”. He has been performing at New York area venues ranging from the John Street Jam in Saugerties, NY and the Postcrypt Coffeehouse at Columbia University in New York City to Yasgur's Farm at the 41st Woodstock Anniversary Concert.
Thomas’ career has spanned nearly four decades. His music has been described “The real thing!” - classic acoustic folk music in the spirit of James Taylor and Gordon Lightfoot with great vocals and his own unique finger picking guitar style. His live performances include his original music, some classic covers from his favorite artists – ranging from James Taylor to Joni Mitchell and stories from his surviving the 1960s.
“Earl is a gifted poet that has the ability to set it all to music in a beautiful and unforgettable way that few artists have the ability or insight to accomplish in one recording.” Golddust Magic is a, “…five star indulgence from start to finish.” Review of Goldust Magic by Keith “Muzikman” Hannaleck.
“An excellent, talented singer-songwriter…classic songs and performances in the spirit of James Taylor and Gordon Lightfoot.” Review by Liz Redwing, former A&R scout with Atlantic Records.
“Golddust Magic glitters with years of musical talent…check out Thomas Earl!” – Darryl Cox – KSVR radio.
His CD “Goldust Magic” contains 11 original songs written and performed by Thomas. The CD was co-produced and engineered by Joe Johnson, of Red Wally Music, who has worked with such artists as Keith Richards, Johnny Winter and Joan Jett. Jerry Krenach, who has played with Chris Whitley, David Byrne and Darryl Hall, plays drums on the project. Sean Dixon and Scott Sharrard, New York City based session musicians and producers, produced the CD and contributed guitar, bass, keyboard and percussion tracks. One of the songs on “Goldust Magic”, Intermezzo, was named as one of the top ten finalists in the 3rd annual International Acoustic Music Awards (IAMA) competition.
Thomas' second EP, "It's Never Too Late" was released in December 2010 to outstanding reviews, including a four star rating from Maverick Magazine. This is a totally acoustic based recording with Thomas doing all of the vocal and acoustic guitar tracks.
Thomas now makes his home in the Hudson Valley in upstate New York.
Website: www.thomasearl.com
For further information, including booking, please contact Thomas Earl Productions at:
ThomasEarlMusic@gmail.com or 845-661-3522
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