Cult singer-guitarist Tom Rodwell last performed on Waiheke Island two years ago with calypso-blues trio Storehouse; he now announces a solo concert at Rocky Bay's Omiha Memorial Hall on Saturday September 27th.
Best known for his uproarious approach to surreal spirituals, raw rhythm & blues and scandalous calypso music, Tom Rodwell’s shows are evidence of strong vital signs in guitar music - presenting a sound that’s always vibrant, rhythmic and shape-shifting.
With offbeat originals, a deep back pocket of obscurities and a taste for straight-to-the-point improvisation, Tom Rodwell’s Telecaster works a special kind of hypnosis that dancers must not miss.
Rodwell has been internationally active as a performer since the turn of the century, has supported acts including Leon Russell, Trinity Roots, Kitty, Daisy and Lewis, and the John Butler Trio, and as a session man he's recorded with Don McGlashan, Jeff Henderson (NZ), Art Terry (LA) and William Adamson (London). His recent audiophile LP of eclectic originals, Wood & Waste, charted twice on US radio (with heavy rotation for 6 months) and was named by Graham Reid as one of his favourite albums of 2021.
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.
It’s rare these days to find an original take on the blues, even in its land of origin, but the freshest blues I’ve heard in a long time comes from this local musician. His name is Tom Rodwell… You won’t find a more individual, eclectic, rhythmically compelling approach to this music, anywhere.” - Nick Bollinger, Radio NZ.
Tom Rodwell is Sheffield's answer to Lightnin' Hopkins,” - NME, UK.
A subtle reinvention of the most daring and entertaining aspects of music styles long thought atrophied, and with just voice and guitar he wills it alive. - Gary Steel, Metro (NZ).
Soul-probing... Singer/guitarist Tom Rodwell’s extraordinary revision of blues and gospel always gets the joint jumping. - Metro (NZ).
