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Blues Underground Network |
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Tom Principato "A Part Of Me"
Tom Principato has graced the Washington D.C. area with his extraordinary guitar playing going on 40 years now. Compared to Eric Clapton, a comparison he is extremely proud and honored of, Tom Principato has built himself a huge and somewhat legendary status as one of the best Guitarist in the biz. Now with the release of "A Part Of Me" we all get a great opportunity to get acquainted with the magic that is, Tom Principato. Over Tom Principato's 40 year career he has had the opportunity to play with the best, such as, Billy Price And The Keystone Rhythm Band, Big Mama Thornton, Sunnyland Slim, James Montgomery, The Assassins with Jimmy Thackery, to name just a few. He has also played extensively all over the world, put out over 17 Albums since 1984, and "won a total of 22 "WAMMY" Awards from the Washington Area Music Association", in several different categories. To say that Tom Principato has been a busy man would have to be an understatement. The idea behind "A Part Of Me", was that Tom wanted to put out an album with some of the Artists he admired and or played with in the past, for as he says, they are truly "A Part Of Me". That being the case, he had the good fortune to have "Sonny Landreth, Chuck Leavell (Stones, Allman Bros.), Brian Auger, Willie Weeks (bass, Clapton) Memphis Horns, and Jim Brock (drums Kathy Mattea, Don Dixon)" join him on this very important album. A mixture of those guests artists offer their magic to 5 of the albums tracks. "A Part Of Me" consists of 8 Tracks, all originals written by Principato' and showcase not only his great guitar work but also the awesome work of his band, as well, which includes Steve Wolf and Jay Turner sharing Bass, Joe Wells and Pete Ragusa sharing Drums, and Josh Howell on Congas/Percussion. This tight group of individuals makes for one mighty cohesive sound. "A Part Of Me", also marks the first time Tom has put out an album of 100% original music, a milestone he is very proud of. "A Part Of Me" brings a lot of interesting music to the forefront, and will certainly give you hints of Joe Satriani and Eric Clapton, especially with Principato's blazing guitar work, but it will also give you a few other sides of Principato's playing especially on several of the tracks which are straight instrumentals. Of particular note is Track 6, "Back Again & Gone", were we get a great sense of how versatile of a guitarist he is with this offering of Flamenco/Classical playing. A great track which certainly sealed the deal for me as one of my more recently favorite guitarists. All in all, "A Part Of Me" is an extremely well rounded offering from an Artist that has learned his trade very well over the last 40 years. Greats lyrics and great music all rolled together into one of the finest releases so far this year and although it may be early in the New Year, I got a feeling that this Album will still be on a lot of our minds at years end. "A Part Of Me" was a thoroughly enjoyable listen and an Album that I will be listening to plenty. For fans of extraordinary guitar playing, with a lot of extra goodies thrown in for good measure, "A Part Of Me" is a must have Album. Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network) Additional Info Tracklist 1. Don’t Wanna Do It This CD is an exciting Landmark album for me---many musicians who I've known and admired have contributed greatly to this release. In addition to some of the Washington D.C. area's best musicians who I've been recording and performing with for years: Steve Wolf, Tommy Lepson, Josh Howell and Jay Turner; there are some really great World renowned musicians who have contributed to this CD. This CD is also a special one for me: it is my first CD with 100% original music. I hope you enjoy it! ~ Tom Principato About Tom Principato Tom Principato has spent the last 40+ years as a
guitarist and singer based in his hometown of Washington, D.C. In the
1970's, Tom was leader of the legendary band Powerhouse, an East Coast
phenomenem who released an album "Night Life" to critical acclaim. Tom
also did a one year stint with Geoff Muldaur and recorded an album "I
Ain't Drunk" (Hannibal/Island Records 1980) with the band Geoff Muldaur
and His Bad Feet members of which included Andy Stein (Asleep At The
Wheel), Mark Kazanoff (Earl King) and Sarah Brown (Lou Ann
Barton). In 1984 Tom began a solo career, notably recording a live album with the late Washington guitar legend Danny Gatton titled "Blazing Telecasters". This album was considered by The National Academy Of Recorded Arts And Sciences (NARAS) for a Grammy Nomination. Since 1984 Tom has released: Smokin’! (1986) The band has toured clubs and festivals extensively in the U.S., Canada, and Europe including Norway, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, Austria, France, Slovenia, Finland, Italy, Sardegna, Corsica, Spain, Portugal, Majorca, Menorca, St. Croix, and even Greece and Turkey! In addition to winning first place in the WHFS/Harmony Hut "Guitar Talent Hunt" (1980) Tom has won a total of 22 "WAMMY" Awards from the Washington Area Music Association. In 1986, "Smokin'!" won three Wammy Awards; Best Blues Album, Best Male Vocalist-Blues, and Best Blues Instrumentalist. In 1987 Tom won four Wammy Awards; Best Artist/Group-Blues, Best Male Vocalist-Blues, Best Instrumentalist-Blues, and Best Recording-Blues for The Assassins "Partners In Crime" album. In 1988 Tom won three more Wammies; Best Blues Recording-"I Know What You're Thinkin'...", Best Artist/Group-Blues, and Best Instrumentalist-Blues. Tom also won Best Instrumentalist-Blues in 1992, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, and 2001, plus Best Male Vocalist-Blues in 1997. In 1999 "Live & Kickin'" won Best Blues Recording, and Tom Principato Band won Best Blues Group. In 2003 "House On Fire" won Best Blues Recording. In 2006 "Guitar Gumbo" won best Blues Recording and Tom won Best Blues Vocalist. Tom Principato Band was also voted "Blues Act Of The Year"-1997 and "Blues Act Of The Month" for Oct. 1997 by the listeners of "Talkin' Blues Radio" Koln, Germany and Gitarre & Bass Magazine. Since the 1990's Tom has signed endorsement agreements with Fender Electric Guitar Co., DR String Co., Seymour Duncan pickups, Roger Mayer effects pedals. (Roger Mayer personally made effects pedals and experimental electronic gadgets for Jimi Hendrix), and Soundseat: "The most comfortable music seat ever built." Tom's 1992 Recording "Tip Of The Iceberg" was co-produced by Chuck Leavell, a keyboard player who has played with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, The Rolling Stones, The Allman Brothers Band, and Sea Level. Chuck also appears on Tom's "Really Blue" CD. In 1995 Tom's song "In The Clouds" was considered for another Grammy nomination. In 2000 Tom's book "Open-String Guitar Chords" was published world-wide by Hal Leonard Corporation. Tom Principato's websites are: www.TomPrincipato.com and www.PowerhouseRecords.com |
