Devonport's Stone Oven welcomes the darkly funky singer-guitarist Tom Rodwell. Mainly known as the frontman of subversive blues-calypso outfit Storehouse, his session work includes collaborations with Don McGlashan and arthouse performers in the US, UK and NZ.
Stark, primitive and drawing deeply from exotic rhythms, Rodwell’s playing forms a moody stage for songs of memory, lust and conflicted spirituality.
With no fixed set-list and an unwavering knack for improvisation, Rodwell's shows travel through 19th century spirituals, obscure rhythm and blues, bawdy tunes from Trinidad & Tobago and absurdist originals. Rodwell’s idiosyncratic style has lead to appearances at major festivals, support slots for the likes of Leon Russell and Derek Trucks, and over 20 years of critical acclaim - not to mention a cult following amongst dancers.
“Singer/guitarist Tom Rodwell’s extraordinary revision of blues and gospel always gets the joint jumping. - Metro (NZ).
You don't hear that anymore. Beautiful groove, beautiful tunes! - Derek Trucks.
Rodwell manages to eschew the cliches that beset blues music. By turns wild, angry, hypnotic and sensual, it's as uncompromising as it is funky and some of the best live music I've seen. - Blues in London.
