Tom Wilson

Tom Wilson playlist

Contributor: Jerry Tenenbaum

Tom Wilson is a performer of music and writer of songs. He hails from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and has performed with groups and as a solo artist. He was with the Florida Razors, a Canadian rock band which formed in 1981 and recorded and performed for six years with Tom Wilson on lead vocals and guitar. This band married rock and roll, country, punk and pop.

After the band broke up in 1987-88, Tom Wilson then went on to form Junkhouse in 1989 in Hamilton. Junkhouse opened for Bob Dylan at Hamilton Place in 1992. Junkhouse continued to perform, opening for a variety of prominent bands and musicians. The band then took a break to pursue individual projects.

Tom Wilson continued to stay active by joining Blackie and the Rodeo Kings (B&RK) with Stephen Fearing and Colin Linden. Wilson’s career with B&RK has resulted in six releases (to 2014), the most recent being South. Junkhouse reconvened in late 1996 with a new album and occasional performances. By 2001, Tom Wilson had released his first solo album (Planet Love) and in 2006 he released his second (Dog Years). He continued to tour with B&RK (currently on tour, February 2014).

His most recent project was called LeE HaRVEY OsMOND and featured members of the Skydiggers and studio help from the Cowboy Junkies. Two albums have been released (A Quiet Evil and The Folk Sinner, both of which received a place on the Polaris Prize long list (2010, 2013). Junkhouse occasionally performed at special events. An association with Daniel and Bob Lanois since the 80s resulted in a collection of acoustic songs (The Shack Recordings Volume 1) between his solo recordings. It is notable that his songs are performed and covered by a growing list of artists and collaborators.

Tom Wilson remains a vital artist and continues to grow. Aside from his excellence as a musician, he is a successful painter and photographer, garnering positive reviews in all arenas. In a career which has spanned over three decades, Tom Wilson continues to be a Canadian success story and shows no signs of slowing down.

Footnote

I list only 6 songs, a representation of a large body of work – there are many more on all the albums that could have been chosen. I won’t discuss the merits of the songs; I’ll let you judge for yourself.

The Art of Tom Wilson – official website

Tom Wilson & Bob Lanois

LeE HaRVEY OsMOND website

Blackie and the Rodeo Kings official website

Blackie and the Rodeo Kings – see topperpost #183

TopperPost #206