// MUSIC MONDAY // Sam & Dave, Adam Thomas "Ordinary People" + Mayer Hawthorne

Spotlight: Sam & Dave

My (Own) Track of the Week: Ordinary People

Ready To Pop: Mayer Hawthorne

Spotlight: Sam & Dave

The greatest live act ever. FACT.

 

The reason Sam & Dave are one of my Spotlight Choices is their unbelievable live act. The best live act ever, in my opinion. Sure Michael Jackson, Prince, Elton John and Lady Gaga fans might have something to say about that but they all have/had endless show budgets to play with that would allow for them to create a wonderful, fantasy environment to accompany the messege in their songs. Sam & Dave had a stage with little, if any, lighting, smoke filled rooms that can only be likened to working mens clubs and absolutely terrible acoustics. Did it matter? Good God no!  // READ MORE //

My (Own) Track of the Week 

Ordinary People by adamTHOMAS

I love the honesty of this track: it's not a love song, it's not a goodbye song it's just someone admitting the flaws in their relationship and the fact that they are just ordinary people who aren't perfect and I think that has a strong resonance with so many people. It's a soulful ballad and, although not the best lyrics for a wedding, for some couples it represents the fact that they've made it work. Everyone loves a success story don't they!? I think music is about a feeling so you should choose a song that gives you a special tingle for your wedding song rather than caring about the lyrics.

Ready To Pop: Mayer Hawthorne

 

Mayer Hawthorne grew up in Michigan, near Detroit, a city he describes as rich in music tradition and high on the list of influences in his choice of a musical career.

A Strange Arrangement is his debut album released last year without ever really making the commercial splash it should have (the same can be said about Jamie Lidell's Soul Fest, 'Jim' - what's wrong with some people!!)  It is only recently that I was switched on to him after a quick look on YouTube at the video for the fantastic single ‘The Ills’, a piece of rip-roaring, almost break-beat, soul. // READ MORE //

About Me...

I'm Adam Thomas, a Swing & Soul Singer from Leicester, UK. I've been performing professionally for 10 years singing Soul and Jazz music. I'm a musical interpreter and currently reinventing Northern Soul for the modern age.  Follow me on Twitter @iamadamthomas

Music Monday

Spotlight:

Michael Bolton

Although I cannot even remember the first time I heard Michael Bolton sing, it would most certainly have been with my Mum blaring the album out very loudly over the car stereo as she continued her obsession with long haired singers of the time: Jon Bon Jovi, Marti Pellow and, of course, Mr Bolton.

I do, however, remember the first time I tried to sing (sorry, scream) along to the ‘Time, Love & Tenderness’ album at my Dad’s house. It didn’t go too well and I'm pretty sure that blood vessels were burst that night!! But, despite my distain for a man with a sickening four octave range, I was completely hooked by his powerful mix of rock with soul/pop undertones and... read more

 My (Own) Track of the Week:

Over My Shoulder

I've always wanted to record this track as it is one of my favourite Mike & The Mechanics songs, with the wonderful soul tones of Paul Carrick. Have a listen, I hope you enjoy it. :)

Ready To Pop:

Industry

Now, I must be honest here, I’m a little bit biased in my support for these guys! You see, despite the fact that they’re great (and I would have supported them anyway), I performed with Michele McGrath in quite a few shows before she hit the big time and we are actually very good buddies... read more

Back Beat:

Conner Reeves

Every month I delve back into my past and try to dig out some of the artists who have really inspired me and who I tried to emulate (or as I say ‘nick bits from’): Conner Reeves is 100% one of those artists!

Connor Reeves is quite possibly the best unknown soul voice of his generation. The boy is a pitch perfect, song-writing, soul-tinged pop vocalist with simply too much talent.

Unfortunately he is the perfect example that endless talent doesn't always get you to the top of the music industry tree and that, in fact, talent almost comes secondary nowadays... read more