One Night Only: Brock Zeman and Tom Savage in Concert

If you are in the Chelsea/Wakefield/Gatineau-area next Friday, November 24th, don't miss the rare opportunity to take in a concert by myself and Brock Zeman! We've made a few excursions around Ontario in 2023 performing in-the-round style, and it makes for an entertaining concert, showcasing our distinctive songwriting styles. Fans of Americana, Roots, Blues, don't want to miss this one.

Motel Chelsea is located at 1418 Route 105 Chelsea, QC J9B 1P4

Tickets are available on Eventbrite ( https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/motel-chelsea-presents-troubadours-tom-savage-brock-zeman-tickets-688497363147) or at the door(reservations are recommended).

Spread the word!

Cheers,
Tom

Motel Chelsea presents Troubadours : Tom Savage & Brock Zeman

Combined, this duo of grass roots Eastern Ontario musicians have released 25 albums over the past twenty years, performed thousands of concerts, and traversed the continent more times than one cares to remember. Now they are joining forces to take you on a journey through their collective songbook; retelling tales of the road, love and loss, and life lived on the wrong side of town.

About Brock Zeman

“With a voice that recalls early Tom Waits crossed with Johnny Dowd, a talking blues style, and backing instrumentation that lays down a slinky late night groove Zeman makes MUSIC THAT FILLS THE SOUL… Discovery of the year so far.” -Americana UK

“Jaw dropping songwriting genius.” - Fatea Records

“His songs have more depth than can be realized first time through, which only enhances with each listen.” -Penguin Eggs

About Tom Savage

"Coming on like a rocking, later day Townes Van Zandt, Savage colors outside the lines with tales of those living beyond the margins. Every generation needs one who holds up the fun house mirror to the absurdities and this is a cult hero for our times"- Midwest Record Review

"We are dealing with a brilliant poet and troubadour" - Country Jukebox

"Recommended to those who still believe in Roots Rock power and poetry" - Lonestar Time

Georgia Recording Session Exceeds Expectations!

Back from our trip down to Athens, Georgia, and I have to say, the sessions with David Barbe at Chase Park Transduction exceeded all of our expectations. We had a short window to lay down tracks for the album, and we took full advantage, recording more songs than we had anticipated, and really capturing the Dead Root Revival sound.

16-track 2 inch tape. The parameters put in place by this technology might be seen as a hindrance in today's digital world of limitless tracks and limitless possibilities, but when dealing with a band known for live performance like DRR, there really was no other way to go. Limitations can be a good thing! They can allow you to get right to the heart of the matter.






Dead Root Revival. When deciding upon this band name, we wanted to convey our mandate as a band:

Dead = Lamenting things we feel are being lost: An appreciation for the rock show, that is being swallowed up by karaoke machines, home theatre systems and big screen televisions, and corporate-run streaming behemoths all across this land.

Root = Where we came from: Our influences, our rock and roll heroes, and our search for the magic tone that speaks to us.

Revival = Bringing the jams back to the people: The older generations who may have seen Jimi Hendrix in concert, and also to the younger kids who find themselves listening to the classic rock hits from 40 and 50 years ago because the music of today doesn't speak to them. DRR is here for you.😎🤘🎸


It only made sense for us to record the way artists like Led Zeppelin, Frank Zappa, and Deep Purple did in the 1970s. There's definitely a change in perspective when "fix it later" is taken out of the equation. You've got to perform! And that, my friends, is exhilarating.

Tracking for the album is complete, but it will be a couple of months until mixing and mastering is finished. Stay tuned!


SINGER-SONGWRITER SHOWS

I'll be putting on my singer-songwriter hat for a bunch of shows in April. Coming up first, I'll be performing alongside umberlune and Brock Zeman at ABC Hall (3166 Bolingbroke Rd, Maberly ON K0H 2B0) on Saturday, April 1st. Three songwriters with distinct styles performing in-the-round in a welcoming country hall setting.
Grab your tickets online at Eventbrite 👉 https://tinyurl.com/57zuazhh or send an etransfer for $20 to tomsavagemusic@gmail.com to reserve your spot. You'd be a "fool" to miss it! 😉😄

Doors at 6 PM/ Show at 7 PM

There will also be coffee, tea, and PIE available!

Fresh-baked pie and live music. How can you say no?!





Brock and I will be out performing some shows later in April as well...

April 20th - Jethro's - Peterborough 7 PM - Get tickets
April 21st - Bracebridge Hall - Bracebridge 8 PM - Get tickets
April 22nd - House Concert - Guelph ( Contact Larock Productions for details)
April 23rd - Havelock - matinee show as part of Stone Hall Sessions (2 PM) - Get tickets


TUNESDAY

Thanks so much to Jon McLurg for filling as host for the Tunesday jam while I was away. By all accounts it went swimmingly and our bass player streak is still in tact. Awesome! 😁👍🏻 I look forward to getting back to this fun-filled Tuesday routine at the RCHA(4-7 PM, live music, drink specials, and pizza!).


See you out there!

Cheers,
Tom

Final Shows of 2022/ Rock and Roll Underwear!

Things have quieted down for me quite a bit since the vinyl release show at The Mansion back on Sept. 30th(which was incredible by the way. Thanks to all of you who attended and made it such a special night). Stepping back and doing some behind-the-scenes work for 2023. One really fun development however, has been the introduction of the "Tunesday" afternoon jam at the RCHA club. Since this weekly event began on October 4th, the joint has been jumping with music lovers and musicians alike(on average we've had a seven-piece band plus guests getting up to join in with the band or perform on their own). This has been an incredibly enjoyable new weekly ritual, rich with community spirit. I encourage those in the Kingston area to drop by any Tuesday afternoon from 4-7 PM. 193 Ontario St. up on the 3rd floor.

A Few More Shows in 2022!

There are a few more shows coming up in 2022. First up, on December 10th Dead Root Revival make our return to the Keystorm Pub in Brockville for the first time after a long covid hiatus. Music gets underway at 8 PM. It also marks the first time Tony Silvestri will be joining us at the Keystorm in a long while (first time under the DRR banner…last played there as Tony Silvestri Band).

And on that note, some exciting news! Tony has come on board as a full time member of Dead Root Revival, and will be performing at all of our shows from here on out. We look forward to many magical live performances to come (plus the recording of our debut studio album. Stay tuned for details!).

QRTheBand Concert at the Grand Theatre - Thursday, December 15th(6 PM)

Savage Family Band will be taking part in the concert, which is the culmination of a local music album compilation project we were involved in. Songs for the album were recorded at The Bathouse and will be released at a future date TBA. 

https://www.kingstongrand.ca/events/qr-the-band

Dead Root Revival Live in Concert at the RCHA

Tickets are still available for our show at the RCHA on Saturday, December 17th. $10 advance available at the club($15 at the door). Join us as we rock out one more time in 2022(and for the very first time at the RCHA club).

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dead-root-revival-live-in-concert-tickets-451720667677

DRR "SAVAGE" underwear

One thing I never thought I would be doing when I became a musician: selling underwear. 

You asked for them, so here they are! A limited edition run of @deadrootrevival “SAVAGE” boxers printed at Ironclad Printing Company. M or L sizes. 1 pair for $30, 2 for $40. Kingston locals: Etransfer to tomsavagemusic@gmail.com with colour/size choice and we can arrange pick up/drop off.

Now DRR’s mannequin Bob can safely keep his shorts on!

Here's hoping you have a safe and happy holiday season and we will see you at the rock show!

Cheers,

Tom

New Live Album/Summer Shows/ 21st Century Lo-Fi Vinyl Update

Live at the Old Church Theatre 

More exclusive music for Savage Song Supporters! Bonz brought microphones to our show at the Old Church Theatre in Trenton a couple weeks back and the recording turned quite nice indeed! This was the first show Tony and Benji performed together and there are some great musical moments. Bandcamp subscribers can stream or download now!

https://tomsavage.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-the-old-church-theatre

Summer Shows! Summer Shows!

Looking forward to getting out and playing this summer. It's the first "back to normal" summer since the pandemic started, and it feels good to have a full schedule for the first time since 2019! Keeping it local as I'm not feeling like hitting the road, but playing with...5(?!) different band configurations will keep things creatively satisfying for sure...if you count the jams at Spearhead for industry Mondays, you could say 6,7,or 8 different configurations! 😄

Here is the schedule. Hope to see you at a show or two.

June 24th - Doug Fluhrer Park for River Love! w/ Kevin Davidson on violin (5-7 PM)

June 24th - The Toucan - Kingston - Dead Root Revival (10 PM)

June 25th - Keystorm - Brockville - Tom Savage and Kevin Davidson (8 PM)

June 27th - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

July 1st - ArtFest - Kingston - solo show (12 PM)

July 1st -  Bay of Quinte Yacht Club - Belleville - Savage Family Band (7:30 PM)

July 2nd - Private Party - Westport - Dead Root Revival

July 3rd - 1000 Islands Regatta - Brockville - Dead Root Revival 

July 4th - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

July 7th - RCHA - Kingston - solo show ( 7 PM)

July 9th - Hotel On Wolfe Island - solo on the patio - 1 PM

July 11th - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

July 15th - Joel Stone Park - Gananoque - Dead Root Revival (8 PM)

July 16th - WestFest - Westport - Return of The Foley Mountain Playboys! (2 PM)

July 18th - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

July 23rd - Island grill - Savage Family Band - (3-5 PM on the patio)

July 24th - The Mansion - Kingston - Savage Family Band (3-5 PM on the patio)

July 25th - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

July 28th - RCHA - Kingston - solo show ( 7 PM)

July 29th - The Toucan - Kingston - Dead Root Revival (10 PM)

July 30th - Keystorm - Brockville - Band Format TBD (8 PM)

Aug. 1st -  Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

Aug. 5th - Lockmaster's Taphouse - Smiths Falls - Dead Root Revival (7 PM)

Aug. 6th - Private Party 

Aug. 8th - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

Aug. 11th - RCHA - Kingston - solo show ( 7 PM)

Aug. 12th - Skeleton Park Brewery - Kingston - solo show (5-7 PM)

Aug. 13th - Private Party - Dead Root Revival

Aug. 15th - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

Aug. 16th - Confederation Park - Kingston - Savage Family Band (12:30 PM)

Aug. 19th - Private Party

Aug. 20th - Private Party

Aug. 22nd - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

Aug. 25th - Limestone City Blues Fest - Confederation Park - Kingston - Dead Root Revival (4:30 PM)

Aug. 26th - Toucan - Dead Root Revival (10 PM)

Aug. 27th - Z.A.M.F.I.R. - hosting the jam (3-6 PM)

Aug. 27th - Toucan - Dead Root Revival (10 PM)

Aug. 29th - Industry Monday at Spearhead Brewing (3-6 PM)

Sept. 3rd - Longtooth Brewery - Stirling - solo show(2-5 PM)

Sept. 4th - The Mansion - Savage Family Band - Savage Family Band - (3-5 PM on the patio)

Still waiting on vinyl...

It seems like forever since 21st Century Lo-Fi came out in digital and CD formats, but here we are still waiting on the vinyl records. They will get here! The supply chain has messed with delivery schedules for many indie artists, along with major label artists(looking at you Adele!!) monopolizing the pressing plants. We're looking at a ballpark timeline of end of July/ early August for delivery. Thanks to everyone who preordered, and we will have a celebration one day...looking at the end of September for a vinyl release party in Kingston. 

If you haven't heard the new album yet, give it a spin on Bandcamp ( http://tomsavage.bandcamp.com) or add it to your preferred streaming service at https://tomsavage.hearnow.com

What people are saying about 21st Century Lo-Fi:

"With 21st Century Lo-Fi Savage continues this journey, bookending the album with the type of songs we would expect a songwriter of the folk ilk to explore during a pandemic. Just as intriguing is a trio of challenging songs serving as the nervous system of the album, songs that bring to mind various faces of David Bowie, of all people, including guitar threads that remind us of Carlos Alomar and Earl Slick, and creative bass effects that would not have been out of place on the Serious Moonlight tour.

These songs—“The One I Wouldn’t Let In,” “We’ve Outgrown Everything We’ve Known,” and “In the Evening Glow”—are absolutely fabulous, taking the listener on an appealing journey of sounds and visions. Savage’s vocal phrasing on these songs is pure genius, whether intentionally going places I’ve not previously heard from him or not.

But truly, the entire eight-song disc is bleeding amazing, and is certainly my first ‘favourite’ of 2022, closely followed by my recent purchase of Ann Vriend’s new one! The storytelling here is that of experience and emotion rather than narrative.

The press notes site the requisite Van Zandt and Springsteen comparisons, and Yeah, sure. I find Savage more individual, and comparisons—despite my previous attempts—don’t truly work. Toss in Tom Petty, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and Ian Hunter while you’re at it, but I prefer to just let his songs—the lyrics, the guitar effects, the vocal harmonies (check out the lead track, “Right Where You Found Me” for the combination of the three)—pull me close and keep me riveted." - Fervor Coulee

"The eight-song collection expands his familiar Roots Rock sound into previously uncharted territory, combined with lyrics that address many issues we are currently grappling with as a society". - Wildfire Music

"I’ve had the privilege of discovering various new talents hailing from Canada in this year alone, but Tom Savage may just be the very best to emerge thus far, and with an album as adept, as diverse, as spurring and overall as remarkable as 21st Century Lo-Fi, that shouldn’t come as much of a shock." - Small Music Scene

"...a rapid-fire indictment of economic disparity overtop a pulsing beat." - Canadian Beats

Hope you enjoy a safe and happy summer season.


Cheers,
Tom

 As I write this, there are 41 hours left in the 21st Century Lo-Fi preorder sale!! If you have yet to check out the deals over on the indiegogo page, please head over there now: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/21st-century-lo-fi-album-pre-order/x/40618#/

Discounts on CDs, Vinyl, stickers, tshirts, and more(stickers and t shirts come with a digital album).

Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far, and I hope those who received their CDs/digital albums are enjoying the new music. This project is really close to my heart, given that it is the first time I've written, performed, recorded, mixed, and produced all at once. Mixing being the big one! It was quite the learning curve, and it probably took me a lot longer than a more seasoned professional to achieve the sound I was looking for, but I got there! I truly love the vibe of this record.



GIGS! GIGS! GIGS!!

Things are opening up and the bookings have been flying in left and right. I'm so happy to be able to get back to work and earn a living doing what I love. Coming up next week, I'll be performing solo at the RCHA on Thursday, March 24th from 7-10 PM, and then on Friday, March 25th, Dead Root Revival will be performing at the Toucan! Our first Kingston show since March 13th, 2020(which was the last rock show in Kingston before COVID shut everything down). So excited! March 25th is also the official release date of the new album, so extra cause for celebration!

[We will have an official release party when the vinyl comes in. Stay tuned.]


INDUSTRY APPRECIATION MONDAYS
I'm also very excited to announce a new house gig! I'll be hosting "Industry Mondays" at Spearhead Brewing, from 3-6 PM, ever Monday afternoon. Yes, let's hear it for live music on a Monday afternoon!! Putting the word out to my musician friends: if you want to come pick a tune or two, I'd love to see you there.

Come hang out in the taproom every Monday, where we honour those in the hospitality industry. A day to toast those who live behind the bar, to those who listen to all our stories, to those who are always there for us, and to those who have had to rearrange their lives multiple times due to the pandemic.
All are included not just those who work in the hospitality industry, as we all know bartenders love drinking at their place of work after shift with their favourite regulars. There will be drink specials all day including $6.25 pints, $6 Sandbanks wine and $5 shots of Jameson and Jagermeister (prices include tax). 20% off Pisano's food orders(free delivery within 30 minutes).


More updates on spring/summer performance schedule coming soon.

Rock and Roll!
Tom

 Super excited to share this news with you guys!

My new album, 21st Century Lo-Fi will be officially released on March 25th. Yay! This has been THE big pandemic project for me. You can preorder the album starting today at https://igg.me/at/tomsavagemusic Check out this site for discounts and other perks. 

I started working on this album in April of 2020, recording and mixing it myself ( Geoff Chown helping me out on the home stretch. Thanks Geoff!). That’s a first for me, since my days of recording on the 4-track cassette recorder in my Mom’s basement.

This is why I chose the title, 21st Century Lo-Fi. We have all of these technological tools at our disposal, but in the end, it comes down to creativity. This process really brought me back to the beginning of my creative journey( in the 1990’s!!!).

Many differences in modern times of course: The major one being remote collaborations due to lockdown,  with the rhythm section of Jason Mercer and Bonz Bowering . Some truly inspirational performances from these guys.

Also, my kids got involved: Benji plays bass on one track, and Zach provided the amazing artwork!

For me, this album project was a light in the COVID darkness, and holds a special place in my heart for that reason.

I really want you all to hear it, and to BUY it,  because I’ve basically been out of work for two years! It’s very weird and stressful when you’re used to playing 200+ shows per year, and it gets reduced to 20. Yikes!

Sign up for the preorder today. Formats include digital, CD and Vinyl. The vinyl won’t be in until June due to supply chain issues, but when it gets here we’re gonna have a big time party for sure!

I’ve also added a box set option (21st Century Lo-Fi on vinyl and CD, plus 5 previous releases in CD format), and a couple of other perks on the
indiegogo page you can sign up for, such as a private song commission ( I’ll write and record a song specifically for you!!) and private concerts ( either solo or with the full band).

Please share and spread the love around!

Yay! Music!!

Tom

P.S. Huge thanks to my Savage Song Supporters ( https://tomsavage.bandcamp.com/song-supporter )for their support throughout this pandemic. This album would not have happened without you. Your continued support is the fuel for this artist’s creative engine!

Also, thanks to the Kingston Arts Council for awarding me their resiliency grant. This funding provided me the opportunity to buy new equipment and software to see this project through to completion.

Live from the Jam Zone Session #3/ Living Room Session Re-issue/ Bandcamp Friday

 Hello Friends, 

Hope everyone is doing okay out there. Winter is chugging along for me (considering lockdown in Ontario and heading into the one year anniversary of COVID). It has been a long haul, not being able to work other than sporadic gigs here and there in the summer, and my patience has had its ebbs and flows for sure. But it has been far worse for so many others around the globe, and I hope as the months go by in 2021 we will see an end to the suffering that this disease continues to leave in its wake.

For those of us in the performing arts community, we are most likely looking at a longer recovery than most sectors of the economy, considering we depend on crowds gathering in order to do our jobs. Who would willingly file into a packed 1000-seat auditorium, or stand shoulder-to-shoulder in a 120 capacity pub right now? Not it!

Getting back to some sense of normalcy will take time. If I had to guess, I would say summer 2022...but I'd be foolish to guess where COVID is concerned.

Whenever normal gets here, I will welcome the opportunity to hit the road and hop on the stage to perform for all of you!

Until then, I'll continue to do my very best to bring you great music, and to entertain! This Friday, tune into the Facebook page for Live From The Jam Zone : Session #3 with guest Mike Corrigan joining me to provide percussion to the proceedings. We go live at 7 PM.

https://www.facebook.com/events/223016456218350

I have been recording these sessions and posting them on my bandcamp page for Song Supporters to download/stream at their leisure (Technology willing, this session will be posted as well). Become a Savage Song Supporter for $5/month (or more) and receive a whole bunch of music instantly, plus everything I release in the future. Since COVID, I've been using this subscription service as a way of offsetting my income losses due to lack of merchandise sales...rather, almost complete disappearance of merch sales! It's a significant amount of money for me ($15000 in 2019). 

I'm working hard to give subscribers top value, and the music is coming fast and furious. Thursday, I will be releasing a reissue of my 2011 EP, Living Room Session.

As the title suggests, this EP was recorded in my living room. A lo-fi, bare bones collection of folk songs. I've taken the opportunity to remix and remaster the songs, opting to give them an even more lo-fi sound than I had ten years ago, purposely using modern technology to mimic a cassette 4-track recorder as best as I can. Fans of Springsteen's "Nebraska" record should enjoy this collection of songs. You can pick up for $6 ( or become a song supporter for $5, and get EVERYTHING). 

Bandcamp Friday

Speaking of Bandcamp, this Friday is what's known as #bandcampfriday. Bandcamp sets aside one Friday a month in which they waive all of their fees, and give 100% of purchase money directly to the artists. It's the best day to discover the site and all they have to offer. I'll be laying down a few bucks to support my fellow artists. I'm looking to support local, so if you have links of Kingston-area artists on Bandcamp, send me a tweet or comment on my Facebook page @tomsavagemusic and I'll help get the word out.

Also, I want to give a shoutout to my friend Sean Burns, who released a great country album, We Gotta Lotta Truckin' To Do, in support of legendary Winnipeg venue, the Times Changed High and Lonesome Club.


https://seanburns.bandcamp.com/album/we-gotta-lotta-truckin-to-do

Touring musicians who are currently not touring: Don't forget about the venues that have helped you out along the way over the years. Throw some $$ their way!


Clem Chesterfield Kickstarter

Kingston country music crooner, Clem Chesterfield is getting his new record bullwhipped into shape, and you can help him out by funding his Kick starter campaign - 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/clemchesterfield/advance-sales-for-clem-chesterfields-of-lures-and-love?fbclid=IwAR2zTXmUODD8-1T85Iwi0dJRA5EvR7VMqTOJ3auBVlU6OyVTENH8sdhl4No 

Another way you can #supportlocal !

YEEHAW!!!

Tom