2019
2015
2015
2013
2011
I was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1954, and grew up in rural Pickering, North-East of the city. After graduating from high school, I set off to see the world, eventually ending up in New Zealand, where I married and started a family. While living in New Zealand, I trained as a school teacher, and learned to play the guitar. In 1990, I returned to Canada, with my family, and settled in Pickering, not far from my childhood home.
Towards the end of my teaching career, I started to write and perform songs, and since leaving teaching in 2010, I have recorded four albums Mariposa Rain - 2011, Emotional Cocktail - 2013, Big Spring - 2015, and Don't Go Gently - 2019, and one single Clarence - 2014.
My songs fall in the country / folk genre, and they are about contemporary themes that inspire, concern, or intrigue me. I always hope that my audiences find my songs, both, thought-provoking and entertaining.
On my fist album, Mariposa Rain, some of the songs are about well-known Canadians, such as Gordon Lightfoot and Terry Fox. Other songs deal with controversial issues, such as the circumstances leading to the death of Robert Dziekanski. Still other songs take a light-hearted look at day-to-day topics that we can all relate to, such as going to the dentist.
The songs on my second album, Emotional Cocktail, are more introspective, and deal primarily with experiences that have evoked strong emotional reactions. Some of these songs are sad and reflect my feelings during the collapse of a long-term, personal relationship, while other songs are more uplifting, and celebrate some of the more positive aspects of life.
My third recording, Clarence, is a single, a ballad about Clarence Brazier, a remarkable man, who learned to read at the age of 93.
My third album, Big Spring, features songs about contemporary social issues, such as the degradation of the natural environment, consumerism, and the loss of personal freedoms. Food for thought, with a little spice! This album was produced by Richard Joudrey, and while I still strum my acoustic guitar, seven other musicians play and sing with me on these songs.
The title track of my fourth album is Don't Go Gently, and most of the songs deal with issues related to aging, from the perspective of an old guy, me. The album was produced by Richard Joudrey at his Anax Junius Studio in Bancroft, Ontario, and I am backed by some outstanding vocalists and musicians.
I hope that you find my songs thought-provoking and entertaining. - Tom
A Letter From David Suzuki
Dear Mr. Newman
Just got back from a month at our cabin on Quadra Isld. to find your CD! Thank you so much. When I saw the title, I thought "Big Spring" referred to a big salmon because we call chinook salmon springs. I'm playing the record right now. You are right on! I wish you every success. Thank you,
David Suzuki
