 Music Please take
some time to listen to some of the music Tom has created over
the years. These clips are fairly large, so if you have a dial-up
connection, it may take a while to download the clips.These mp3 audio files require a media player be installed in your computer to play the files. If your computer doesn't already have one, you can download a free audio player here. |
| Something Good Strawberry Blonde in a Sun Dress |
1:32 1.41 meg file 128k mp3 |
Jim Dispirito’s conga’s and my sea foam green Strat through my Leslie 145 create that “galloping” feel. That’s Donna Groom and Heidi Engle singing the back-ups. Did you notice that the first chorus saxes have a Memphis soul feel and how I changed the 2nd chorus sax section to something closer to an Afro-Cuban feel? Of course you didn’t – that’s why I pointed it out to you! Strong opener. |
| Saving Grace Strawberry Blonde in a Sun Dress |
2:04 3.78 meg file 128k mp3 |
Seeking refuge, always finding a safe haven, a necessity. Check out the lyrics (always!!) The powerful sax line statements are augmented in the intro and outro by that “James Bond-Chilly Billy” Strat sound. Bill Hubauer’s piano solo is stellar and his solo closing flourish is jaw dropping. Donna Groom wails over the repeat chorus, and feel the arrangements tension mounting to the closing chord. A fine piece of rock. |
| Keep the Demons at Bay Strawberry Blonde in a Sun Dress |
1:32 1.41 meg file 128k mp3 |
A bit of a reggae feel rhythmically. That “haunting” hi-pitch instrument is a Theremin. That was Bill Hubauer’s idea, seconded by Mr. Hanner – they lobbied hard and trumped the President’s veto – I’m glad they did! Again, Donna Groom and Heidi Engle sing the back-ups, that’s me on the falsetto 3rd on the “Demon’s, Demon’s Away ee-yea-a-ee-a”. Nice touch, was it not? I’m also extremely proud of my horn and vocal arrangements. |
| I Was Looking for Heaven but I Came Here First Strawberry Blonde in a Sun Dress |
2:00 1.84 meg file 128k mp3 |
I was on my way home, took this windy road called Beatty Road past St. Vincent College. It was a beautiful, cool, sunny, blue sky fall day. There’s a stretch of about 1 mile where the trees arch over the road. The leaves were gold and crimson. Driving through the sun to shade to sun under the limbed arch way gave the ride this hypnotic feel that day. My antennae must have been up because somewhere through that time tunnel of trees the first verse, the hook, the melody line and the bridge all happened in – I swear – less than 2 minutes. I went home, picked up my blonde Strat and the song was already waiting there. I wrote about 10 verses then trimmed the excess. Most of my songs are composites of fiction based in fact. This one feels like it should have been me, if it wasn’t – and is me even when it isn’t. Most songs are more effort than this one. The moral is this: when Sarah Tonen, the goddess of inspiration says pick up your pen – you better listen….. and tip your hat to those great vocalists Donna Groom, Devonna, Dominique and Lucia the Philly Sisters. The violin is Steve Stokes of Indiana, PA. Former Indiana County fiddlin’ champ, moved to Nashville after he graduated from IUP. He tours with Trace Adkins, Josh Turner, Mel McDaniels, John Michael Montgomery among others. When he gets home, we draft him to play on anything I’m working on at the time. |
| One More Night with Desdemona Strawberry Blonde in a Sun Dress |
1:45 1.6 meg file 128k mp3 |
A mini-operetta of sorts, I had so much fun arranging this song. When we finished the tune all 3 engineers involved said, at separate sessions, that they couldn’t believe the song was 7 minutes long, it goes by in what seems to be 3 minutes. Lots of Latin feel, percussion and horns. All the female vocals are Donna “perfect pitch, one-take” Groom. Jim Hayden and I spent an entire 10 hour day fine tuning all the percussion much of which Jim, an accomplished drummer, played. It was a big score for Latin percussion instruments! And how about that surprise story twist revealed in the last passage of the last verse? Author! Author!.. Marimba and expansive lyrical piano work, Lord of the Keyboards – Bill Hubauer. The trumpet work is by IUP jazz guy, Dr. Kevin Eisensmith who walked in cold, unrehearsed - and he was gone in 1 hour! And as usual stellar sax section work by Greg Lutz, the Mambo King. |
| The Subtleties of Love Strawberry Blonde in a Sun Dress |
2:07 3.89 meg file 128k mp3 |
A soulful R&B style song with vocal help from Donna Groom and the 3 soul singers Dominique and Devonna Harrison and Lucia Wilson, the one man stax sax section Greg Lutz and the tasteful Bill Hubauer on keys flesh this performance out. “You’ve shown me the light, now show me the way – if you are the vision, then I’m here to stay. You offered salvation and I fell in line – and then I fell in love, that’s all I’m guilty of….” I had Greg Lutz play a soulful statement over the band as we find our way from a minor to a major chord uplifting the mood of a bitter/sweet song to end on a note of hope. Maybe our protagonist can learn the subtleties…. Well, dream on…. |
| Funk of Ages Strawberry Blonde in a Sun Dress |
2:17 2.09 meg file 128k mp3 |
This was going to be an instrumental but every time the chorus came around the back-up singer in the left hemisphere of my brain (again Sarah Tonen) kept singing “Rock of Ages”, which mutated to Funk of Ages which begat the verse “Arise, take up thy groove” to paraphrase the Gospel (of Mark) arise, take up thy bed which led me to the quote (inexplicably) “these are the times that try men’s souls” (Thomas Paine) and what soul/funk tune would be complete without a reference to Don Cornelius? Enter Lucia, Dominique and Devonna from Rev. Mel Jenkens Victory Christian Assembly Church choir of Indiana, PA. After Funk Of Ages, they sang on The Subtleties of Love and It’s a Wonderful Life for me. They brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the sessions. Thanks ladies, I hope we can work together again soon and often, what fun. See the studio photos and “get a groove on, get a groove on, shake shake, tease me a little…..” |
| In the Beginning Strawberry Blonde in a Sun Dress |
1:11 1.08 meg file 128k mp3 |
A clever little intro in 6/4 time segues into a pop rock tune with a dark apocalyptic vision (that you can dance to!). What will it be? Vaporization or a slow radiation bake? Harmony guitar and marimba lines build to a big vocal intro into The Name of God. |
| In The Name of God Strawberry Blonde in a Sun Dress |
1:24 1.28 meg file 128k mp3 |
In the Name of God begins - how come no one (other than yours truly) is angry about 9-11 anymore? How did you move on – what is “closure”? These alleged humans give 3,000 innocents the choice of death by jet fuel, building collapse or jump to your death while destroying the air industry, our economy, and our trust in humanity and the best we can do with our Judeao-Christian ethic is turn the other cheek and adhere to rules of engagement and humane interrogation? … but terrorists on Bloody Trails, have opened up the Gates of Hell, and I’m still looking for the Holy Grail In the Name of God. OP. Ed. T.D. |
| Lee Ann Strawberry Blonde in a Sun Dress |
2:06 3.84 meg file 128k mp3 |
One of maybe 3 songs I ever sang lead on during my live playing years (1969-1983). I wrote it in 1979. I recorded it 2nd while writing and recording this album. I wanted to see if it would stand up beside the newest tunes. If it hadn’t I would have sacked it and recorded another newer song. Dave Hanner, Al Snyder and Curt Erickson of the Corbin-Hanner Band sing great back-up vocals on this rocker about “too much of a good thang”. What thang would that be? |
| It’s A Wonderful Life Strawberry Blonde in a Sun Dress |
2:19 2.12 meg file 128k mp3 |
This verse – groove kept resurfacing in my brain over a period of a couple of years. I just put it on hold, I couldn’t take it anywhere. Then one night I drove past the Jimmy Stewart statue in Indiana, PA and the title/hook happened, jelling the rest of the song. I was in a good mood for about an hour than I remembered I can’t watch that film the whole way through. I’ve seen maybe one-half hour of it; it depresses the hell out of me! Then my old pal anger resurfaced and that’s where the bridge came from. Since it was an upbeat, soulful song, I decided to use it as the closer. So I extended the song approximately 2 minutes, came up with that horn line and decided to end the album like an old soul show – thus the band introduction – Good Night Everybody! |
Instrumental Telepathy |
2,240k file 128k mp3 |
This
upbeat tune features the off-the-wall talents of pedal steel
player Pete Freeman and fiddle/violin player Steve Stokes. |
Instrumental Telepathy |
2,000k file 128k mp3 |
Tom
named this tune for Chuck Leavell's Charlane Plantation in Georgia.
That is where Tom and Chuck met and discovered that they shared
similar taste in music. Chuck plays piano and organ on this slow
blues tune. |
Instrumental Telepathy |
1,870k file 128k mp3 |
A
bit of a departure from the rest of the album, this tune has
a warm, moody feel to it and features Dave Walters on the Vibes
and Tom on guitar. |
Instrumental Telepathy |
1,650k file 128k mp3 |
Catchy
and gritty, featuring Greg Lutz on sax and Bill Hubauer on organ
and marimba. |
(Funken' Grooven' Rocken') Soul Kiss |
2,850k file 128k mp3 |
Man,
I’d love to close a show with this rockin’ soul beauty.
Where’d Troy’s drum solo come from and how did he
come back on time? Double keyboards, Chris Feliciani on piano,
Bill Hubauer on Hammond …. And who’s that cat on
guitar and slide guitar? Oh, it’s me. |
Soul Kiss |
1,830k file 128k mp3 |
Too
funky! Killer horns, infectious funk beat and so much more. This
is Tom's anthem as he marches into the valley of love... down
to the valley! Yolanda Barber and Danni Vasser, former House
of Soul singers, really steal the show with their back-up vocals. |
Out of Here Soul Kiss |
1,090k file 128k mp3 |
Tom
takes us back to his days of playing dive bars and dealing with
drunk patrons and the 10 pm to 2 am world. Dave Hanner sings
backup. Tribune Review newspaper critic Rege Behe likened this
song to a Randy Newman song – "I was thrilled.” See
the article. |
Soul Kiss |
1,490k file 128k mp3 |
Rock
with a soul/gospel flavor. Wonderful back-up vocals by Gospel
singers Mark and Stacy Adams, beautiful piano solo by Bill Hubauer. |
Soul Kiss |
1,800k file 128k mp3 |
Tom
pays homage to some of his musical influences. “I still
love these guys and their records – Stax, Volt and Atlantic
all captured magic in those days.” |
Soul Kiss |
1,280k file 128k mp3 |
Another
catchy instrumental with plenty of horns and guitars. Features
some very tasty slide guitar work by Tom. Producer/writer Dave
Hanner of the Corbin-Hanner Band called this tune “an American
classic”. Workin’ the hoot owl means working the
all-night shift. |
Love Is King |
2,310k file 128k mp3 |
Humorous
story of a sleazy pick-up artist Tom observed at The Rattlesnake
Inn. “Like a cold hearted reptile, the snake had his way – then
he crawled to his car and he slithered away.” Perfect ending! |
Love Is King |
2,260k file 128k mp3 |
“She
walk the street, she look so good. He drive on by, he wish he
could. He flash the cash – they jump in the back. Tonight
somebody have a heart attack.” ‘Nuff said. Great
back-up vocals by Nancy Eagan, Shirley Dragovich and Pete Morely.
Hot sax by Don Aliquo, Jr. former Billy Price and Keystone Rhythm
Band Ace. |
Love Is King |
1,280k file 128k mp3 |
“Mr.
Hanner called one night and wanted to know the French word for
deodorant – he was brainstorming for a commercial. I phoned
my old high school French teacher who said ‘Désodorisant’ was
a close approximation (it means the odor rising). The changes
and melody jumped out of my head. I saved the bridge for Mr.
Hanner. Sounds very Booker T-ish to my ears.” Check Bill
Hubauer’s Hammond work at the end of the song. |
Love Is King |
1,610k file 128k mp3 |
Very
catchy song, could still be a hit for the right pop-rock singer.
Has a strong Rundgren-Pop/Hall & Oates feel. Great back-up vocals
by the Corbin-Hanner Band singers: Al Snyder, Curt Erickson and
Dave Hanner. |
Love Is King |
845k file 128k mp3 |
A
song with a country feel, though it would not fit the early or
current Nashville sound. But a good song is a good song…..
Nice 12-string Rickenbacker and Telecaster solo. Good back-up
vocals by Pete Morley, Dave Hanner and Tom. |
Love Is King |
2,490k file 128k mp3 |
Rock
and roll with Chris Feliciani on piano and Bill Hubauer on Hammond
organ – what a team. Soulful back-up vocals by Toni Turner
(a Gospel singer) and Nancy Egan. Very clever and witty lyrics,
moving on up from skirt chasing to love. |
Love Is King |
2,295k file 128k mp3 |
A
strong piece of rock writing and arranging. I was about 30 when
I wrote this song; I’m 73 now. Interesting
(lyrically) to see that I often still think the same way; “Looking
for order, try to make sense of this lifetime – what are
all these years about?” Sounds familiar…. |
For A Lifetime |
2,340k file 128k mp3 |
Tom
kicks off this album with a bang! A 3 piece horn section, Eddie
Kistler, Mike Karwowski and Don Aliquo, Jr. and 5 background
vocalists, Dave Freeland, Dave Hanner, Don Marsiko, Shari Richards, & Tommy
D really give this song a thick, slick sound! |
For A Lifetime |
2,780k file 128k mp3 |
A
trip into the mind of a truck drivin' man. A fast-paced, country-rock
flavored song that really conveys the hectic life of a trucker.
Dave Hanner and Laurie Struthers sing backup on this one! |
For A Lifetime |
2,240k file 96k mp3 |
Tom
takes you on a musical journey as vivid as a movie. Some incredibly
creative keyboardwork by Bill Hubauer really sets the stage for
this rock masterpiece. You really need to hear the whole song! |
A View from the Grill |
1,920k file 128k mp3 |
Pop
rock – should have been some pop stars hit. How come publishers
have such a hard time recognizing a good pop tune just because
it isn’t presented by “the right voice?” Old
and bitter? Perhaps! |
A View from the Grill |
1,900k file 128k mp3 |
Catchy
little Carribean influenced pop tune. Cecil and Carol Washington
on percussion, clever back-up vocals by Dave Freeland, Carol
Washington, Tommy D. and Dave Hanner. |
A View from the Grill |
2,450k file 128k mp3 |
Not
really, but I am persistent and relentless. As the old, legendary
Pittsburgh Pirate broadcaster Bob Prince once described something
he called “hidden vigorish”; “the more you
win, the closer you get to losing” – or vice versa.
But you gotta stay in the game. |