“Widely acknowledged as North America's finest exponent of contemporary nautical songs”
(Canadian Society for Traditional Music), Tom's one-man show brings to the stage wry humour, button accordion, ukulele, a great voice and his unique experience of more than 40 years bridging the sea-going and folk-singing communities.
From traditional shanties to songs fashioned out of his own seafaring background, 24 years in the British Royal Navy, "provides him with that vitally authentic stance with which to tackle nautical song" (Living Tradition). Tom recruits his audience for a voyage by turns reflective, dramatic and humorous. Born in Belfast but now living afloat near Boyle, Tom's Celtic heritage is obvious in his clear, strong voice, evoking quiet sorrow for a fisherman lost to the sea just as honestly as it powers out a shanty "to be heard above the gales."
With songs that have become folk standards, recorded by over 40 other artists, (including Nathan Evans of The Wellerman fame); Tom accompanies himself on button accordion and ukulele—but it's that powerful vocal style and infectious humour—that quality of entertaining—which keeps audiences coming back again ... and again.
As winner of the inaugural "Trophée Stan Hugill", French fans dub Tom " The Springsteen of Sea Chanteys". Old Songs Festival (Altamont NY) declares "This man knows the sea ... from the bottom up!", whilst Living Tradition (UK) says "Although I always knew he was good, I was not quite prepared for HOW good."
You can find out more about Tom and his music at his website tomlewis.net
