Tomcat Courtney
San Diego, California, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
Tomcat Courtney "has this virtually feral cry in his voice, an echo of the field hollers that were part of blues' origins, something that's damn rare in contemporary my-baby-done-left-me merchants. . . . Downsville Blues will likely be one of the best blues discs of '08." Mark Keresman -- Phoenix New Times -- May 2008 - Phoenix New Times
"Tomcat Courtney "is a very fine tunesmith and a superb singer...If this is an example of the quality of the product coming from the Blue Witch stable then I eagerly await their next release. I vote ten out of ten for this one!"
Phil Wight -- Rhythm & Blues Magazine -- May 2008 - Rhythm & Blues Magazine
" a CD from a genuine, down-to-earth bluesman who's literally lived every note he's played...Tomcat's gritty delivery gives this one a definite, "back-porch pickin' feel."
Sheryl and Don Crow-- musiccityblues.org -- May 2008 - musiccityblues.org
"Blue Witch has done it again with another cracking release "Tomcat Courtney-Downsville Blues" that obviously comes highly recommended...Rating 10"
Mick Rainsford -- Blues in Britain -- May 2008 - Blues in Britain
"One listen to Tomcat Courtney and it's clear this guy ain't faking it. His powerful, honeyed voice aches with every rotten thing ever done to him, while his jagged guitar weeps with the knowing grit of experience."
Paul Saitowitz -- San Diego City Beat -- May 2008 - San Diegop City Beat
"Tomcat Courtney, Downsville Blues (Blue Witch Records). Simple and powerful country blues that are not stuck in the past."
Nick Delay-Blues Director --WVKR-fm, Poughkeepsie NY - WVKR-fm
"All of the songs are first-rate...Courtney has a first-class voice and is a fine guitarist." Downsville Blues..."is a "must have" album for lovers of Texas country blues. . . . Highest Recommendation."
Jim Shortt -- SCENE Magazine -- May 2008 - SCENE Magazine
"Song after song on "Downsville Blues" rings true with Texas and Delta blues".
Roderick Harrington -- El Dorado Times, Arkansas -- April 2008 - El Dorado Times
Discography
Downsville Blues--Blue Witch Records, May 2008
www.bluewitchrecords.com
Photos
Bio
Tomcat Courtney is an authentic bluesman in the best of Texas country blues tradition. At the age of 78, Tomcat Courtney made his national debut on May 20th, 2008 with the release of Downsville Blues on Blue Witch Records.
"Downsville Blues" recalls a bittersweet return to his hometown, where his marvelously spare, down-home guitar style and full vocals ring with riveting authority. An extraordinary songwriter, his gift shines on as captured in the title track Downsville Blues, a wistful hometown remembrance, "Disaster Blues" deploring Hurricane Katrina and "Railroad Avenue", a tribute to visiting an ex-girlfriend who lived along the railroad tracks.
Says San Diego Entertainment writer Robert Hawkins, Tomcat is a showman, but he doesnt shred chords. He heals busted dreams by singing the blues. Tomcats soulful voice resonates with the depth and strength of a man who has lived his lyrics; the old blues come alive in his guitarwork.
Born Jan. 22, 1929 in Marlin, Texas, Tomcat mostly grew up in the tiny town of Downsville where his father ran a juke joint and played ragtime piano. Tomcat set down his roots in San Diego in the early 70s and appreciates San Diego, saying, I aint makin a fortune, but I play like four nights a week. On this, his first national release, Tomcat Courtney delivers pure gritty blues with a message beyond the music.
Tomcat will spend much of 2010 playing and touring in the USA and Europe. In early November 2009, Tomcat Courtney was a featured performer at the prestigious Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland and spent the next three weeks touring France playing several gigs and festivals. He is an outstanding festival performer as a solo with a with a full band.
Contact: blipham@gmail.com
www.tomcatcourtney.com
www.bluewitchrecords.com
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