With the release of Tom Savage’s fourth studio album, we are witness to the continuing evolution of an artist. However, there is an important distinction to be made between Savage’s earlier solo records, and this new release under the Tom Savage Trio banner.
For this record, the Kingston, Ontario-based songwriter has all but abandoned his acoustic guitar, in favour of a raucous, electrified sound. Backed by bass(Geoff Chown) and drums ( Sandy Mackenzie), “Savage replicates the live bar-room feel that lends itself well to his music”. – Scott Chomistek, Beatroute magazine
TST’s sound is often compared with modern bands like Son Volt and Drive-By Truckers. These comparisons are welcome, but the band draws their inspiration from the artists on which they cut their musical teeth. Specifically, Neil Young’s “Ragged Glory” album and The Cult’s “Electric”.
Savage’s writing style owes much to Mr. Young as well. In recent years, however, he has been increasingly influenced by the work of Robert Earl Keen and Townes Van Zandt.
A Tom Savage Trio live show is something to behold. The grainy spontaneity of 70’s Jam Rock, a dash of 80’s Punk, a hint of outlaw Rockabilly, anchored by Savage’s impeccable song writing, meld together to bring the audience member for a ride down the dirt road of rock and roll.
About Chris
Every great music scene has its anchors, people who never quite get their due from the public, but who are the backbone of sounds and successes. I’m talking about guys like Derek O’Brien and Bill Campbell in Austin, Texas, Steve Freund and David Maxwell in Chicago, Junior Watson in Los Angeles, and Chris Carmichael in Winnipeg, Canada. It may sound a little out of place to group Winnipeg with Austin, Chicago, and L.A., but the reality is that the music scene in Winnipeg is every bit as vibrant – arguably even more so – than cities much more widely recognized. Acts like The Perpetrators, Big Dave McLean, Righteous Ike, Romi Mayes, the Scott Nolan Band, they’re all world-class talents whose reputations continue to grow locally and internationally, and they all have something in common: Chris Carmichael. As one of the most in-demand guitarists and drummers in Winnipeg’s remarkable roots and blues music community, he has provided a wealth of talent and experience to countless recording sessions and live performances. Now, he brings forth his own album, a work long overdue, and one that showcases all of his talents.
Revealing vocal and instrumental styles influenced by a remarkable range of artists – flavoured by the likes of Mississipi John Hurt, Neil Young and Crazy Horse and Keith Richards ,Carmichael unveils an album that stretches his blues and rock and roll roots in a powerful new direction. Combining Chris’s ease and grace in switching from one instrument to another (he plays all the guitars, bass, drums and percussion), and featuring contributions from Joanna Miller and Romi Mayes (backing vocals) and Bill Western (pedal steel), these songs add another chapter to a story of a truly talented musician coming of age in his own time and way.