Music City Monday Concert Stream / Live from the Jam Zone - Session #1

 Music City Monday Series

Dead Root Revival had the incredible opportunity to take part in the Music City Monday Series at the Empire Theatre, in Belleville recently. Mark Rashotte and the crew started this series of live stream concerts as a way to support local musicians and venue staff during the pandemic.

Read more about it here : https://themusicexpress.ca/live-stream-events-plan-b.../...

The production quality of these live stream shows is stellar. I highly recommend you check them out. Shows air live at 7:30 PM every Monday evening.

Our recent concert, which aired Monday will be showing until December 20th. You can view it here: https://vimeo.com/489129839?ref=tw-share...

Become a Savage Song Supporter!

As many of you know, COVID has decimated the live music industry, and has forced musicians to think outside the box to come up with new ways of generating income, engaging and entertaining fans.

At the beginning of the pandemic, I started a subscription service on Bandcamp to help offset my lost touring income.

https://tomsavage.bandcamp.com/song-supporter

Become a Savage Song Supporter for as little as $5/ month, and you will receive EVERY new piece of music I release. So far in 2020, I've released three singles and one full-length album:

Beyond the Great Beyond * Song Supporter Exclusive * (full-length album of bonus tracks from 2019's "Great Beyond" recording sessions)

Beach Blanket Bingo Bottle Toke * Song Supporter Exclusive * ( This single is from the "History of a Common Man" recording sessions, reinvented with new instrumentation and a space folk vibe.)

Something Real -https://tomsavage.bandcamp.com/track/something-real ( This is truly my pandemic song, with the lyrics focusing on the inequalities in society that have been laid bare by COVID-19, and my personal belief that a universal basic income is needed to stem the tide of economic disparity, to address poverty, and mental health issues of all citizens. Musically, it's a bit of a departure for me. A slow groove vibe with important synth flourishes and bass guitar contributions from musician, Jason Mercer.)

In the Evening Glow - https://tomsavage.bandcamp.com/track/in-the-evening-glow ( this is a moody, melancholic piece that will hit you in the feels. Solo and acoustic, with an overdubbed spicy guitar solo ).

PLUS you will receive these back-catalog releases:

Great Beyond (2019) - https://tomsavage.bandcamp.com/album/great-beyond

Everything Intertwined (2017) - https://tomsavage.bandcamp.com/album/everything-intertwined

History of a Common Man (2014) - https://tomsavage.bandcamp.com/album/history-of-a-common-man

Never Shed No Tears (2006) - https://tomsavage.bandcamp.com/album/never-shed-no-tears

Early next year, I will be adding re-mastered versions of Tom Savage Trio releases, The County Line (2008) and Overdrive Express(2012) to the list! Along with previously unreleased bonus tracks!!! Engineer Geoff Chown is in the lab working on it at this very moment. : )

What was that? That's not enough, you say? Well, there's more!

Live Streaming + Multitrack Recording = The "Live from the Jam Zone" Series

My initial plan to put on live streaming events exclusively to subscribers hit a bit of a road block recently when it became apparent that Facebook would have to handle the money...I wasn't down with that plan...not that there is anything wrong with giant evil corporations. Hahaha.

But when I stared at this brick wall, I realized another opportunity to give subscribers more value, and more music. I'll be multitrack recording my live stream shows and releasing them exclusively to Savage Song Supporter Subscribers (say that 5 times fast) in a series of "Live from the Jam Zone" sessions. Actually, this process has already begun. Song Supporters can stream/download Live from the Jam Zone: Session # 1 starting today! - https://tomsavage.bandcamp.com/song-supporter

It's a live stream. It's a podcast of sorts. It's a series of albums. I'm excited to see where we can take this. Possibly special guest collaborations. Definitely a Savage Family Band concert coming soon.

Lots to look forward to. Join me on the ride!

I hope you have a safe and happy holiday season. Let's hunker down for the winter and with the vaccine being distributed, Spring will hopefully offer up opportunities for us to gather for live in-person concerts again.

Best,

Tom

Driftwood - Remembering Sandy Stubbert

I had the great honour and privilege to work as producer on what would be Sandy Stubbert's final work. It has taken some time since Sandy's passing to complete the project, but it is now finally here. Sandy poured her heart and soul into this album, and this music deserves to be heard!

We had planned to have an album release/memorial concert at The Mansion in Kingston for April 10th, but due to COVID-19, that proved impossible. The plan was to raise money from the album release for community mental health and musician support organizations. Seeing as the need for financial support is greater than ever, we've decided to go ahead with the GoFundMe release.


https://www.gofundme.com/f/sandystubbert

Contributors to the campaign who give $20 or more will receive a CD or digital copy of Sandy's album.

Please honour Sandy's memory by contributing to the GoFundMe.

Proceeds from the sales of this album will be donated to two different organizations, AMHS-KFLA (Addiction and Mental Health Services, Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington) and MIKES (Music Industry Kingston Emergency Support).

We miss you Sandy. May your music live on.








Driftwood marks the fourth and final album from Sandy Stubbert.

Sandy was a gifted musician and songwriter who readily left a lasting imprint on those she met.

Her friend John MacDonald aptly describes Sandy's personality, "I worked with Sandy at Pakwash Junior Camp and reconnected with her on Facebook a couple of years ago. Then, as now, I was appreciative of her extraordinary passion for life which came through not only in her music, but in her genuine caring of those with whom she came in touch with. Her lasting friendship with her junior ranger sisters is a testament to the love she had for life."

As many know, Sandy struggled from bipolar depression for many years. The "black dogs" as she called them, continually nipping at her heels. Although her mental illness had a profound effect on every area of her life, it did not define who she was; she soldiered on despite it.
Most storms Sandy endured valiantly, however, the last storm overcame her. This album represents her new sunrise. A lasting legacy to her brilliant life.


"I'll be thrown by these storms into a new sunrise" - Driftwood

Proceeds from the sales of this album will be donated to two different organizations, AMHS-KFLA (Addiction and Mental Health Services, Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington) and MIKES (Music Industry Kingston Emergency Support).


What is MIKES?

MIKES is an organization made up of Kingston and area
community members passionate about creating a support
system for music industry workers in the region.

We are primarily for, but not limited to, providing support
(financial and other) in emergency scenarios where the
worker needs to sub out of a gig or cancel a performance
due to personal illness or injury, illness or injury of a
loved one, death in the family, etc.

MIKES also aims to create a community and list of individuals and businesses who provide
services pro bono or at a discounted rate to assist music industry workers in a number of
challenges or emergency situations (i.e.: instrument repair and lending, vehicle repair,
meals, physiotherapy, dental work, etc.).


About AMHS-KFLA

Addiction and Mental Health Services – Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (AMHS-KFLA) is a non-profit organization that delivers community-based mental health, addiction and housing services to more than 7,000 individuals in the City of Kingston and the counties of Frontenac and Lennox and Addington.

Services offered include a 24/7 Crisis Line, Addiction Services including specialized supports for people pregnant or parenting young children, Problem Gambling services, 24/7 Housing programs, support groups and more. Services are free, confidential and non-judgmental. Learn more about AMHS-KFLA programs and services at www.amhs-kfla.ca





TRACK LISTING
Driftwood (04:20)
Circle of Friends (03:21)
In My Secret Life(04:37)
Cotton Candy Sunrise (05:53)
Fascist Architecture (03:35)
All I Want (04:27)
Red Sky (04:47)
Three Hours Difference (06:03)
Obsession (04:51)
Promises (04:51)
With Me (04:19)


MUSICIANS

Sandy Stubbert - guitar, vocals, banjo, dulcimer
Seamus Cowan - upright bass on 1,3,4,8,10,11
Bonz Bowering - drums on 1,3,4,8,10
Tony Silvestri - organ, piano, rhodes
Dan Chalmers - congas on 13
Tracie Morgan - backing vocals
Kathryn Vilela - backing vocals
Sandra Bouza - backing vocals on 7
Tom Savage - electric guitar on 1,3,4,8,10,11
Michelle Monette - electric guitar on 5,7,9
Saskia Tomkins - violin, viola, cello, neckelharpe
Rodney St. Amand - backing vocals on 2, bass on 2,6
Jim Tomlinson - backing vocals on 2, lead vocal and acoustic guitar on 6
Frank Baraczka - drums on 5,7,9
Attila Baraczka - bass on 5,7,9
Gary Barratt - Percussion on 2,6


Recorded at North of Princess Studio in Kingston, ON
Recording & Mixed by Zane Whitfield
Assistant Engineer - Dylan Lodge
Mastered by Philip Shaw Bova
Art direction, design, and layout by A Man Called Wrycraft
Produced By Tom Savage

Back from tour! The CD is Not Dead!

Rolled back into Kingston after a long haul from Wawa, Ontario and slowly getting my bearings, and adjusting to being back home. As usual, the tour  was a hard slog, an enjoyable ride, a test of will and endurance and patience, and a whole lotta fun all rolled into one. Thanks to the venues ( and their staff), presenters, sound techs, fellow musicians, and friends new and old who opened their homes to this weary traveler. I very much appreciate your support.

This new record is a real trip. I've never done anything where art intersected with life so much. Developing the sound and playing style of the solo show and touring it over much of the past decade gives this new album the feel of the culmination of an 8 + year art project. The audience is a large part of the process, and it feels really good to give them (and you!) an album that reflects exactly what I'm doing on stage. 

Sales went really well on tour. The CD is not dead folks! If anything, I've seen an uptick in sales over the past few years. Needless to say, I am very thankful for this! As a full time musician ( performing mostly original music), merchandise sales are a vital ingredient to my survival in this business. I understand the convenience and choice that comes from streaming services ( I've used them myself), but I'm not seeing how to make money from them. And a large portion of the money I make from record sales goes directly back into my art. 

I was listening to some music industry podcasts while on the road, and they were chanting the mantra of "The CD is dead. Streaming is everything." and I couldn't help but ask aloud while driving, "But how do you make money from it!" They never answered me. My own conclusion: You don't!

It is for this reason that my new record, Great Beyond, will not be available on streaming services ( except for a single or two for a sampling). If you want to listen, you'll have to buy it. I make records for three reasons: 1) artistic expression, 2) to share my music with my fans, and 3) to make money to make more records. Spotify is good for the first two reasons, but the third, not so much.

You can help the cause! There are seven days left to preorder Great Beyond ( thanks to everyone who has contributed to the preorder campaign thus far). Check out the indiegogo site for special offers such as: CD + tickets to hometown release concert, The Box Set ( a collection of 4 CDS), and a House Concert ( 1 of these left at the discounted price). For those in the Kingston area who are planning to attend the album release concert ( with The Mill Rights and Dead Root Revival BTW), the preorder site is the best option for purchasing tickets.

A couple of shows to tell you about:

This Friday, Dead Root Revival will be fired up and ready to rock at The Red Lion in Belleville, after a month-long hiatus. 9:30 PM.

Saturday, October 19th, I will be bringing the solo show ( and new album) to the Few Acres Farm concert in Russell, ON ( near Ottawa). Message me for details.

And of course, Friday, October 25th is the Hometown Album Release Concert at The Mansion in Kingston!

See you on the road and thank you for your support.

Cheers,

Tom

14 year old Rocks Market Square

This summer my teenage daughter and I spent many hours practicing songs in order to build our repertoire to hit the streets of Kingston busking.

With only a year of bass lessons, she is a quick study. I anticipate we will see her performing with her own band in the years to come. As she recently stated, "it will be nice to play with people who aren't old." Here is a short video of Bella on bass, Bonz Bowering on drums and myself this past Labour Day in market square. 

Pre-order "Great Beyond" Today 

Excited to share with you that my latest album, "Great Beyond", will officially be released on October 15th! This record is a unique representation of my live solo show, recorded with only me and my guitar, live off the floor at North of Princess studio in Kingston, Ontario. 

Sneak Peek: Have a listen to "Slow Learner". A slide guitar number from the album now streaming on Spotify.

For much of the past decade, I've traveled around Canada and the USA performing solo. Me and my guitar (or guitars rather...occasionally mandolin) up on stage, or in someone's living room, without a net. After touring with a band for many years, it was definitely a big change. It took some time to develop my approach to performing solo, and the kind of energy I wanted to bring to the stage. Ironically, in the end, I found approaching a solo show in the same way as a full band concert was the way to go. The thing is, I didn't have the band to help create that energy with me, so it required a commitment from myself to push that force out into the crowd each and every night. It also needed me to approach the playing of my acoustic guitar in a more aggressive, percussive fashion. Playing chunky rhythms and lead licks simultaneously.

This is a gift to those of you who come to my solo shows and want to take a piece of that experience home with you. For those who haven't had an opportunity to take in one of my solo shows, this is what it sounds like. I hope you enjoy it. The pre-order campaign has begun. Sign up for your copy of "Great Beyond" today! Check out the Indiegogo site for special offers such as "The Box Set" and "Concert For Two". I'll even come play a concert in your living room in exchange for your support!

For fans in the Kingston area that plan to attend the hometown release concert at The Mansion on October 25th, be sure to take advantage of the CD + Concert ticket offer on Indiegogo (a 37% savings!). This show includes The Mill Rights and Dead Root Revival on the bill, and will be a truly amazing night. Don't miss it!

Canadian Tour Starts Tuesday!

Hitting the road again. I'll have the new record in tow, and look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones along the way on my annual Western Canadian excursion. Spread the word and come say hi if I'm passing through your neighbourhood!

09/10 -  The Townehouse - Sudbury, ON

09/12 -  The Apollo - Thunder Bay, ON

09/13 - Bob's Burger Bar - Kenora, ON

09/14 - Ship and Plough - Gimli, MB ( 9:00 PM)

09/15 - Bruce's Firehouse - Dauphin, MB (3:00 PM)

09/17 - The Capitol - Saskatoon, SK (feature set at open mic)

09/18 - The Slice - Lethbridge, AB

09/19 - The Ironwood - Calgary, AB w/ Johnny Faithful and Carter Felker 

09/20 - Twin Butte General Store - Twin Butte, AB

09/21 -  Whitetooth Brewing Co. - Golden, BC

09/22 - Small Axe Bistro - Enderby, BC

09/24 - The Heatley - Vancouver, BC

09/26 - Legion Branch 31 "The Stand Easy"- Jasper, AB

09/27 - The Auditorium Hotel - Nanton, AB

09/28 - Boho Lounge - Carstairs, AB

09/29 - Last Chance Saloon - Wayne, AB (3:00 PM)

09/30 - House Concert - Humboldt, SK

10/01  - Qu'Appelle Valley Arts Centre - Fort Qu'Appelle, SK

10/03  - Midtown Stage - Dryden, ON

10/04  - The Apollo - Thunder Bay, ON

10/05  - Lakeview Hotel - Wawa, ON

10/19 - Few Acres Farm Concert - Russell, ON

10/25 - Hometown Release Concert at The Mansion w/ The Mill Rights and Dead Root Revival - Kingston,ON

See you down that road!
Tom

VIDEO : Dead Root Revival / Kingston Holiday Rock Show

Another year comes to its close. It was a lighter year for me travel-wise, having taken a bit of a tour break. Only put 30000 km on the van, instead of the 70000 clicks I put on in 2017.

Took some hits in 2018. My good friend, Sandy Stubbert lost her battle with mental illness this past summer. It was a struggle for her, and she fought hard...we miss you Sandy. I worked as producer on her yet-to-be-released album, Driftwood. I hope to see the completion of this project in 2019.

Also taken from us from us far too soon, one of my biggest fans and supporters, John Harman. I'll miss seeing you occupy your stool at the Rose & Crown every week John, cheering the players on and offering words of encouragement. And for pretending I'm a big deal rock star. That always gave me a chuckle. It won't be the same without you.

2018 also led to the birth of a new band. Tom Savage Trio is no more, and we are now Dead Root Revival. Not having 'Trio' in the name allows us the opportunity to be more of a collective, and allow other musicians to join the artistic fray. I'm excited about the possibilities!

Dead Root Revival is kicking up a lot of creativity for me and the bandmates these days. We are really enjoying rehearsals and adding new tunes every week. Sometimes old tunes resurrected from past projects, such as Rascal, which is a twenty year old funk jazz instrumental from a Vancouver band I was in(Al dente Inferno); Going Down Slow, a tune from Aldous Huxters days; and Party Girls, a rearranged selection from the Tom Savage Trio archives. We recently had a super-fun show at The Wooden Boat Shop in Gananoque, ON. It was a real pleasure to play the new material live.

And we caught it on video! This tune is called "Got In Store For You" and it really is the perfect introduction to the band, and what we indeed have got in store for you. : )

Check out it and please feel free to share. Join the revival!!

Holiday Rock Show
Excited to take part in the 23rd edition of the Holiday Rock Show at Stages in Kingston on December 20th!
This years lineup includes amazing local acts DJLK, Emilie Steele Music, Oakridge Ave., VOHON - Band of Fire, Tom Savage Music and the always entertaining Deck The Halls with Balls & Kelly ft Bruce "The Git" Compeau!

All proceeds from this event will be donated to Martha's Table, Dawn House and KFLA AMHS.
Show is All-Ages, doors open at 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm! Let's get festive!

Happy Holidays!

Tom

Summer Shows! 2018!!

Playing a whole bunch this summer, and hope to see you out at a show or two. Many configurations. Tom Savage solo, trio, and four-piece band, Tony Silvestri Band, jams and backing up Sandy Stubbert. Keeping it interesting!

May 30th - Rose & Crown Open Mic/Jam - Kingston, ON
June 2nd - Keystorm Pub w/Tony Silvestri Band - Brockville, ON
June 6th - Confederation Park(solo set) - Kingston, ON (12:00 PM)
June 6th - Rose & Crown Open Mic/Jam - Kingston, ON(8:30 PM)
June 9th - Kawartha Craft Beer Festival w/ Tony Silvestri Band - Peterborough, ON
June 13th - Rose & Crown Open Mic/Jam - Kingston, ON
June 15th - Red Lion w/ Tom Savage Trio - Belleville, ON
June 16th - Z.A.M.F.I.R. hosting the afternoon jam - Lower Beverley Lake, ON(3:00 PM)
June 16th - Private Event w/ Tony Silvestri Band - Lansdowne, ON
June 20th - Rose & Crown Open Mic/Jam - Kingston, ON
June 22nd - The Toucan w/ Tony Silvestri Band - Kingston, ON
June 27th - Rose & Crown Open Mic/Jam - Kingston, ON
June 29th - Keystorm Pub w/ Tony Silvestri Band - Brockville, ON
June 30th - Ribfest w/ Tony Silvestri Band - Gananoque, ON
July 1st - 1000 Islands Regatta w/ Tony Silvestri Band - Brockville, ON
July 2nd - Private Event w/ Tony Silvestri Band - Parham, ON
July 4th - Rose & Crown Open Mic/Jam - Kingston, ON
July 6th - McCloskey's - Chesterville, ON
July 7th - Private Event w/ Black Rapids Gold - Rockport, ON (6:00 PM)
July 7th - Blu Martini w/ Tom Savage Trio - Kingston, ON (9:30 PM)
July 11th - Rose & Crown Open Mic/Jam - Kingston, ON
July 13th - Red Lion w/ Tom Savage Trio - Belleville, ON
July 14th - Confederation Park w/Tom Savage Trio - Kingston, ON (12:30 PM)
July 15th - Belleville Waterfront Festival w/ Tony Silvestri Band
July 18th - Rose & Crown Open Mic/Jam - Kingston, ON
July 19th - Porch Sessions at the Holiday Manor - Battersea, ON
July 20th - The Toucan w/ Tony Silvestri Band - Kingston, ON
July 21st - Chaffey's Locks Community Hall w/ Tom Savage Band - Chaffey's Locks, ON
July 25th - Rose & Crown Open Mic/Jam - Kingston, ON
July 27th - Warkworth Rock Fest w/ Tony Silvestri Band - Warkworth, ON
July 28th - Private Event w/ Tony Silvestri Band - Prince Edward County, ON
Aug. 1st - Rose & Crown Open Mic/Jam - Kingston, ON
Aug. 4th - Beaufort Pub (solo Blues show) - Belleville, ON ( 1:00 PM)
Aug. 4th - The Social w/ Tony Silvestri Band - Peterborough, ON (9:00 PM)
Aug. 8th - Rose & Crown Open Mic/Jam - Kingston, ON
Aug. 10th - Grumpy's - Montreal, QC
Aug. 11th - Black Sheep Inn w/ Jenny Whiteley & Luther Wright - Wakefield, QC
Aug. 15th - Rose & Crown Open Mic/Jam - Kingston, ON
Aug. 17th - The Toucan w/ Tony Silvestri Band - Kingston, ON
Aug. 18th - Private Event, solo and w/ Tony Silvestri Band - Odessa, ON
Aug. 19th - Back To The Farm Fest w/ Tom Savage Trio, and backing up Sandy Stubbert - Bath, ON
Aug. 22nd - Rose & Crown Open Mic/Jam - Kingston, ON
Aug. 23rd - Limestone City Blues Fest w/ Tom Savage Band featuring Pete Aube on Harp, Confederation Park(3:00 PM) - Kingston, ON
Aug. 24th - Red Lion w/ Tom Savage Trio - Belleville, ON
Aug. 25th - Private Event - Erin, ON
Aug. 28th - Private Event w/ Black Rapids Gold - Ivy Lea, ON
Aug. 29th - Rose & Crown Open Mic/Jam - Kingston, ON
Sept. 1st - Deanna's Barn Party! Tom Savage Trio + Sandy Stubbert - Battersea, ON
Sept. 2nd - Acoustic Grill - Picton, ON
Sept. 5th - Rose & Crown Open Mic/Jam - Kingston, ON
Sept. 7th - The Opinicon - Chaffey's Locks, ON

September 11th - October 7th - Western Canada Tour ( details to follow)