Thom Hopkins
254 plays
6,827 views
6,827 views
The new album, Cloud Writing was produced by myself, Thom Hopkins, and David Mulvaney. Dave operated the control board and assisted in picking special effects. I am very grateful to Dave for taking the time to help me work on this project.Band/artist history
Thom was born in Michigan in 1951. His family moved to Southern California in the mid fifties. His first guitar lesson was at the age of 8. His first studio recording was the age 13 as a bassist with top forty band the "The Bach 5" whose signature song was "Harpsichord Player" by J.S. Bach. During his 4 or more years with "The Bach 5" he also made appearances as a folk singer at age 15 and opened for various artists such as "The Dillards" and "The Music Machine." He also did some studio work at Sunwest in Hollywood. As music changed Thom played more lead guitar. His style was more blues oriented like Clapton or Hendrix. In the early seventies, he was asked to play lead guitar for the progressive rock band "Kingdom" following the release of their album produced by Dr. Demento. He later toured the U.S. with the comedy duo "The Reycards" doubling on guitar and bass. Disappointed with life on the road he formed his own record company in 1974 and released a single "Do You Own Your Own Soul?" which can be still be found on eBay. Thom left the music business in 1976 in order to spend more time with his family. Today, Thom Hopkins has music available on iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, emusic, Amazon mp3 and Groupie Tunes. His new album, "Cloud Writing", is a small compilation of his life in music.Have you performed in front of an audience?I am currently not performing.
Your musical influences
I was most influenced by the Beatles. Before that I was an instrumental guitarist in a surf music band. The folk singers adapted well to the new pop. I was in a cover band in the Sixties.What equipment do you use?
Sound City, Gibson, Fender, union made Epiphone, Lexicon, Peavy, etc.Anything else?
The Cloud Writing mp3 album:
Hessian's Ball
Music by Thomas Hopkins, J.S Bach
Guitars and Bass by Thomas Hopkins
This song was inspired by J.S. Bach. One section of the tune includes his composition "Harpsichord Player". It also has refrains similar to Pete Townshend's "Substitute". The arrangement is original. I give J.S. Bach half-authorship.
After the Dawn
Music by Thomas Hopkins
Guitar, Keyboard and Bass by Thomas Hopkins
This song is the inspiration for the title of the album and reflects an optimistic attitude. Realisitic, yet metaphysical.
Lucky Star
Music by Thomas Hopkins
Guitars and Bass by Thomas Hopkins
This is a song for astrology believers. It should take you through a space journey and demonstrates Fate's power.
It Doesn't Matter
Music by Thomas Hopkins
Guitars and Bass by Thomas Hopkins
Lead Guitar by Dave Mulvaney
The tune was originally "It Don't Matter" but I corrected my grammar. But it doesn't really matter.
Can't Beat Fun
Music by Thomas Hopkins
Guitars, Mandolin, and Bass by Thomas Hopkins
It is obvious that you can't beat fun for a good time. Nevertheless, I thought I would point that out.
Everybody's Had the Blues
Music by Jim Potkey
Additional lyrics and arrangement by Thomas Hopkins
Guitars and Bass by Thomas Hopkins
This song is not in any way structured like the original but the melody remains consistant with the earlier recording produced by Dr. Demento.
Dream Sailor
Music by Thomas Hopkins
Guitars, Keyboard, and Bass by Thomas Hopkins
This is similar to many sea shanties like "What Do You Say to a Drunken Sailor". The addition of the pan flute effect gives this song a true nautical flavor.
Here I Stand
Music by Thomas Hopkins
Guitars and Bass by Thomas Hopkins
Here I Stand is a combination of original compositions fashioned into one work. The refrain at the beginning is repeated at the end to create a haunting effect
Lost and Found
Music by Thomas Hopkins
Guitar and Keyboard by Thomas Hopkins
This song was discoverd when I tuned the guitar to the key of "G". It's a classic folk song.
Clouds, Blue
Music by Thomas Hopkins
Guitars, Keyboard and Bass by Thomas Hopkins
Additional Lead Guitar by Dave Mulvaney
Originally titled "Jazz One" this tune makes reference to living on the clouds with a blue sky above.
I Love You
Music by Thomas Hopkins
Guitars and Bass by Thomas Hopkins
This is also a combination of a couple of original tunes. The refrains of Hessian's Ball are background to the
All vocals for Cloud Writing are by Thom Hopkins, in "Can't Beat Fun" the Mulvaney Choir joins in.
254 plays
6,827 views
6,827 views
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@thom hopkins
