Single cover
If you asked me why I love our little blog, I`d have to answer this way: one day you listen to a wild metal track inspired by Alice in Wonderland (by a teenage duo Alt Blk Era), the next you are reviewing a single by an artist who is returning to the stage after 40 years` hiatus. Music is a wonderful medium and you get to know people from all walks of life. How can I not love what I do?
The more I learn about Tommy Keyes, the more inspired I am by his story. And to write about his songs is truly a pleasure. He comes from an Irish musical and working-class family. As a child he was sent to study classical music, which did not appeal to him at first. But after his parents bought him a second-hand piano, he discovered he could learn to play by ear, while listening to the radio. He recalls this period of his life in a recent interview with Irish Hot Press magazine by saying:
“My parents sent me off for piano lessons when I was 8 or 9. That didn’t last long, I didn’t take very well to the discipline required for formal lessons. But I’m so grateful that they still decided to plunge money they couldn’t really spare on a second-hand piano. I would sit at it every day and pick out the notes of songs I had heard on the radio and slowly but surely, I taught myself to play. I still have that piano. It’s a Bechstein, it’s now almost 120 years old and I play it every day. Pretty much all of my songs have been written on it.”
What a story isn’t it? Musical education paid off when Tommy Keyes was in his teens – he made a memorable contribution to the Dublin rock scene, first as part of band Randolf, then as keyboard player and main songwriter for Sidewinder. At some point he shared a stage with a starting band Thin Lizzy. Then a career change took him away from music and he only sporadically returned to the stage to play with local artists such as Mick McAuley, Joe Murray, Sean Henry and Jimmy Maguire.
Tommy Keyes
Now for a twist worthy of a Hallmark movie. In 2017 Tommy decided to re-emerge and he did it in his own style: recording seven albums to date and charting at least four times.
His newest single “Sunday Morning” was released on January 13th and it promotes the album “Storytime”. For the recording session Tommy Keyes summoned a whole fellowship of musicians, almost a small orchestra: Dick Farrelly (guitar, bass), Gerard Farelly (drums), Richie Buckley (sax), Aisling Bridgeman (violins), Suzanne Anglim (viola) and Rob Campbell (cello). The string arrangement and direction was performed by Rob Molumby, while Michael Heffernan was tasked with mastering and mixing. Fergal Davis was responsible for final mastering.
“Sunday Morning” is a jazz inspired duet between Tommy and singer Dara Mac Gabhann. These two have worked in the past on radio hits “We`ve Got Time” and “Christmas Eve in Dublin”. The chilled, almost quiet song may not be everybody`s cup of tea but you can’t deny this is a winning formula as far as radio friendly songs go. It has irresistible charm and mood, with a warm sax solo in the middle. It doesn’t matter if it rains outside or if you enjoy perfect sunny weather – put this song on and you are immediately transported to a truly happy place. Maybe Tommy Keyes found a secret for the stressed, post pandemic society? A good dose of 70s song writing, jazz and smooth vibes to relax and unwind us all. I am sure we are onto something here.
I don’t think the music industry gives enough attention to the people who are older, local or simply who don’t see the point in participating in a rat race into the top 40. There is a whole universe beyond TikTok speedy songs and the rush to sign up another teenager to sing covers. The content nowadays takes place of talent, wisdom and skills and everyone truly loses out. If we want to bridge gaps in a divided society the first thing we need to do is to make music more inclusive and accessible. Tommy Keyes is not only a great example that you can make a successful music career at any stage of your life, he is almost a definition of how experience and age can enrich your art. You simply cannot be a proper crooner when you are in your 20s. You won’t be able to write songs that appeal to people if you haven’t lived.
I invite you to listen to other songs from “Storytime” – including a phenomenal tribute to 1970s youth discos and Suzi Quatro. You will have a proper ball.
“Sunday Morning” is accompanied by a DIY video which shows that indie label don’t just apply to lads in parkas broodily standing outside Afflecks. It can be anyone who releases music on their own terms – and this is possibly what I love about Tommy Keyes the most. He writes some amazing melodies, but his attitude and spirit are proper punk. I wish more people had the guts, determination and perseverance of Tommy Keyes.
Who knew that one Irish singer-songwriter would have more street cred than a whole old punk guard in Manchester – I didn’t have it on my bingo card for 2023 for sure.
You can follow Tommy Keyes on socials:
https://www.tommykeyes.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tommykeyesmusic
https://twitter.com/tommykeyesmusic
https://www.youtube.com/@tommykeyes2465
https://www.instagram.com/tommy.keyes.music/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4cVkqEzjUvXjY0CFJj6jIc
Malicia Dabrowicz
Indieterria 