Tom Rule -
Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at University of Tennessee at
Chattanooga, Master of Music in Piano Performance at University of
South Carolina. Tom Rule has crammed in more performing in more
styles and has more stories than anyone his age has a right to
expect!
He also has the skills
to match those wildly varying interests. He has performed all over
the Eastern U.S.A. with various groups. Most recently, he has
concentrated on things closer to home (Macon, Georgia), performing
with groups as diverse as the Joey Stuckey Band, Grapevine, The Bob
Huellemeir Big Band, the Macon State College Singers, and his own
band Tom & Co.
Tom's last album, "Seasons" was recorded with
Tom & Co.
Like the CD cover says, this is "instrumental music that is fun for
your feet and bodacious for your brain." The band specializes in
arrangements of traditional church tunes like "Silent Night," "At
The Cross," "Gentle Mary Laid Her Child," "We Three Kings," and
others. The complete track list is available at
www.tom-and-co.com/tracklist.html. "The hope is," Tom said
recently, "that the sounds and arrangements will catch the ear, and
bring back to mind the original lyrics. You don't have to know the
original tunes to enjoy this album, but it does add an extra
dimension to enjoyment!" Take a listen to the smoky jazz club feel
of "I Surrender All," the new-age-crosses-contemporary
version of "O Come, Let Us Adore Him," or the intimate
inside-the-piano version of "At The Cross" - complete with
chords and harmonies you just aren't going to hear in most churches
(or on radio, for that matter) The real sonic treat though, is
"We Three Kings" - think Renaissance Band at the King's Court, a
pipe organ in a smoke-filled darkly-lit jazz club, some seriously
kickin' grooves and surprising solos from sax and piano. It's a
great package just filled with ear candy, worthy of multiple
listens. "We Three Kings" was inspired by the California
Raisins (!) Tom explained in a recent interview that "The
Claymation Christmas" special from several years ago has this
really cool version of "Three Kings." The "Kings" sang the
verses in an operatic style and the camels interrupted them with
this swing version of the chorus. It inspired this arrangement of
the tune, which I've always loved."
There's also a puzzle on the cover! For details, check out the
band's website at
www.tom-and-co.com.
Also, listen to "Sunday Brunch," co written with Joey Stuckey
and recorded at Shadow Sound Studio. |