Singer/guitarist Tom Beardslee has independently released his debut album, titled Exit this Frame of Mind. The album’s ten tracks cross the Atlantic and back again, exploring the common roots of African
and American pop music. Using catchy pop hooks, witty lyrics, and a laid-back vocal style, Tom dances through the album with easygoing charm.
On tracks like the South-African mbube influenced ‘Sweety,’ and the Ghanaian highlife infused ‘Betty Ann,’ Tom pays tribute to the African musicians he listened to and played with growing up. In college, Tom dropped out of school to tour West Africa with the Super Highlife Kings, and his African style technique permeates the entire disc. On songs like ‘2am’ and ‘Long Tall Girl,’ he shows his romantic side, while displaying his love of American slide masters like Jerry Douglas and Bonnie Raitt.
The album features a wide cast of supporting musicians, including members of Tom’s live band, the Shakewells, as well as guest musicians like Liberian guitar master David Franklin. With its broad palette of sounds, Exit this Frame of Mind introduces Tom Beardslee as a new voice in the world of pop music.
The album is available on his website, www.guitartraveler.com, as well as www.theorchard.com and other online retailers.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.