Resophonic Guitar Extravaganza
THE Tom Hall: National Steel Guitar, 5- and 6-String Banjo
THE Tom Hall has been undisputed occupant of “first chair” in every band he’s played in, whether it’s the Geyer Street Sheiks, River City Rhythm, The Illusions, The Fighting Molly McGuires or any of the others. Of course, the respect he now enjoys didn’t just fall into his lap; in the 20 plus years he’s been a working professional, Tom’s paid his dues with interest, playing on street corners, festivals, bars and concerts across the continent, Ireland and Europe.
Tom’s music was originally based on blues mentors Mississippi John Hurt, Robert Johnson, Blind Blake and Rev. Gary Davis to name only a few. He has since broadened his repertoire to include eclectic fingerstyle guitar, clawhammer banjo and Irish tenor banjo. This encompasses music from the Americas to Ireland, Madagascar, Argentina and whatever suits his fancy.
Tom’s playing has brought him acclaim from appearances on National Public Radio’s “Good Evening America” with Noah Adams to the stages he’s shared with The Neville Brothers, Count Basie, Lightin’ Hopkins, Albert King, Guy Clark and many others. He currently plays solo and with Ethan Leinwand, a juke-joint piano player from New York.
His solo CD “Right Down There on Lee Street” was released independently in 2006.
His numerous awards include: Best Folk Band, Best Solo Artist and most recently, Critic’s Choice for Best Acoustic Guitarist In St. Louis by the Riverfront Times. He is also the youngest musician listed by the Missouri Historical Society as one of the best of Missouri’s blues performers–or at least they put that poster with his name on it in one of their museum displays.