
Tom Tracy
Each performance by multi-instrumentalist Tom Tracy is unique and like no other. His impeccable matching of exotic and unusual instruments which accompany his smooth vocals creates the perfect arrangement to complement the song. Performing both original and obscure cover tunes, Tom accompanies himself with an arsenal of instruments typically a different instrument for each song.
Tom Tracy grew up in Southampton, PA, a suburb north of Philadelphia. His first onstage appearance was in 1970, at the age of 10, performing an uncannily accurate imitation of Tiny Tims version of the 1930s classic, Tiptoe Through the Tulips - a song he still occasionally performs. Increasing his skills on various stringed instruments, Tom mastered the 5-string banjo in his teen years and began teaching banjo and guitar privately. When he realized that the instruments he wanted either didnt exist or he simply couldnt afford them, he began building his own.
Now more than 20 years since constructing his first electric guitar, this self-taught ethnomusicologist and skilled luthier continues to build, refine, and/or repair most of the instruments used in his performances: from the simple Hawaiian puili, or Brazilian rainstick, to the more complex stringed instruments such as the acoustic slide guitar, Turkish saz, African kora, cümbüs, cittern, oud, or bouzouki.
Sometimes witty, sometimes zany, always entertaining. I want to think of my performances as fun, thought-provoking, and musically educational. In concert, Tom not only accompanies his voice with unique instrumentation, but he effortlessly combines folk, blues, rock and bluegrass traditions with musical styles from around the world, often taking songs to new plateaus.
Have you performed in front of an audience?
One of my favorite moments was when the band finished playing, and as we stood on stage at the Wilmington Opera House (for the Golden Gospel Awards), listening to the audience singing back the lyrics to our songs. Musical goosebumps.
What equipment do you use?
Guitars (acoustic & electric); lap steel; Kona & Weissenborn-style Hawaiian slide guitar; banjo; cittern; all sizes of sazes; bouzouki; cumbus, yayli tambur; guzcheng; kora; ukulele; sitar, piano/synth, Native American Flute, other stuff I'm forgetting.
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I surely need to get out more often....enjoyed my visit...and enjoyed your songs very much Tom...Saw you
and your wife have camped in my back yard before :) :)
We're 50 minutes from Wellsboro...
best...
Kaley........
Tom,
U know I never made my thoughts about Orange Sky known. I realy like that album! Tracy and I listened to it many times. And I think that one of my favorite songs Lord Baltimore. That song actualy gave me chils because you tell the story of this kid that has this wanderlust so well. Blessings
Steve A
Hi Tom,
Nice music & site really enjoying.
Keep it real & all the best
Sub
Mike
Here Alone is personal. As I stream I hear the inner space of calm become strength in all that you present. I recall the days past when music & words stood up tall but then lay side-by-side on canvas.
I hope that you will stop by & listen well.
Marc
All comments (16)
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Tom
@rockndrtom
Very nice song Tom!