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Listen To Samples... http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/roberttopthomas
Following Review Excerpt Courtesy Of Brian McKinnon – Sr. MuzikReviews.com Staff
Robert “Top” Thomas is a native of New Smyrna Beach, Florida and master practitioner of swamp blues. He is the founding member of the Florida swap blues band SmokeHouse, which rose to prominence in the 90s. With the release of The Town Crier, Thomas takes his act solo, though it features appearances by Victor Wainwright, Damon Fowler, and Brandon Santini. With themes such as religion, and relationships, The Town Crier is one blues album that is sure to entertain.
The Town Crier is kicked off with “Mississippi Quickie.” Thomas’s gruff voice might not be for everyone but I like it and I think that it fits well with a fun, good times atmosphere created by the music, which is pretty hopping. The music of “Blue Grass” has a slower and more methodical quality to it with a harmonica that adds to the effect. My main problem with “The Same Thing Could Happen to You” is the vocals. They are a bit mumbled and leave something to be desired. “Lazy Little Daisy” is a hilarious song about life with a deadbeat significant other. “King Snake Crawl” is my favorite song on the album. From the vocals to the music, it has the best of everything from this album. It is the type of song that would be yelled out for requests. The guitar, drums, and harmonica come together at the end for an incredible ending.
“Bad Seed” brings the listener into the second half of the album on a strong note. It is hard not to pay attention to this one with its peculiar opening complete with what I think sounds like animal noises. Although the music of “What’s the Matter Ma” is seductively upbeat, the lyrics are anything but, as they tackle issues of economic hardship. Keeping with the lighthearted music, “Sugar Shop” is a song that is as sweet as its title.
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Robert "Top" Thomas "Lazy Little Daisy"
Additional Artist Info... http://www.wildrootsrecords.com/RobertTopThomas/RobertTopThomasBio.htm
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Florida "Swamp Blues" master Robert ‘Top’ Thomas a native of New Smyrna Beach, Florida has toured and/or recorded as guitarist and vocalist with several renowned Blues artists including; "Noble ‘Thin Man’ Watts", "Lazy Lester", "Victor Wainwright", "The King Snake All-Star Revue", "Alex Taylor", "Bill Wharton", "Blue House", "Mark ‘MuddyHarp’ Hodgson", to name a few; but is best known as a founding member of King Snake recording artist "SmokeHouse". "SmokeHouse" recorded four groundbreaking CD’s in the 90’s that defined the genre of Florida Swamp Blues. Living Blues Magazine said of their 3rd release Cadillac in the Swamp; "The year 1995 was a great one for blues recording, but this irrepressible set of updated swamp blues earns this reviewer’s vote as the best of the lot." Robert’s sound is a gumbo of Louisiana swamp and Delta roots, influenced by many of his heroes including; Lightnin’ Slim, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, and Lazy Lester. CDBaby