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Thomas Earl: Golddust Magic

By Keith Hannaleck

Artist: Thomas Earl
Title: Golddust Magic
Genre: Folk-Rock
Label: Independent
Website: www.thomasearl.com
Purchase this CD: CD Baby

Thomas Earl grew up in the 60’s and his music has that kind of quality and personality about it on Golddust Magic. I have always remained steadfast that the 60’s was the best decade for music and the most important in the development of rock and folk genres.

Earl has a Dave Alvin meets Gordon Lightfoot vocal tone and style that is very appealing, immediately setting you at ease. He gives you comfort and the ability to absorb all the music and words unencumbered by distractions. Right from the melodic opener “On My Way” which leads into the toe-tapping “Fly,” Earl turns on his Golddust Magic. “Fly” is my pick for a single that I think would get tons of airplay. I found it literally impossible to get it out my head after I heard it the first time.

I get the feeling Earl is an old soul, a gifted poet that has the ability to set it all to music in a beautiful and unforgettable way that few artists have the ability or insight to accomplish in one recording.

“Silence In Your Mind” is a very intense composition that sends you into a contemplative mood with provoking music to help it along. I love the line-“Every eye is open, though everyone is blind.” That one line says a lot about mankind and the world we live in today. It is a message that I heard loud and clear. Although it was my own interpretation, I did notice it right away and felt it would hold a lot of meaning for every listener. I cannot speak for others but I just have a feeling that anyone that cares for this kind of music will find tremendous value and enjoyment in every track on this CD.

The production values are good, the musicianship is simple, clear, and defined, taking Earl’s words and molding them into something very special. He receives some great support from a talented group that includes Sean Dixon, Scott Sharrard, and Jerry Krenach (see credits for the multitude of instruments played). Everything that is in addition to Earl’s voice seems to be the perfect compliment on this album, making Golddust Magic a five star indulgence from start to finish.

Reviewed - March 14, 2007

Tracks:

01. On My Way (3:31)
02. Fly (3:07)
03. For Always (2:15)
04. Girl With the Blue Green Eyes (3:47)
05. Intermezzo (1:34)
06. A Silence in Your Mind (3:33)
07. Time (Will Get You There) (2:44)
08. Lost in Her Dreams (2:23)
09. Tryin' to Say Goodbye (3:24)
10. Still Here in My Heart (2:49)
11. Golddust Magic (1:34)

Credits:

Thomas Earl: Acoustic guitars, vocals
Sean Dixon: Drums – tracks 3, 9; Percussion – tracks 1, 4, 6; Rhodes Piano – track 4; Hammond B-3 Organ – track 7; Bass guitar - tracks 3, 6, 9
Scott Sharrard: Lead Guitar – tracks 1, 6; Slide guitar – track 4: Hammond B-3 Organ –Tracks 1,4; Bass Guitar – Tracks 1,2,4
Jerry Krenach: Drums – Tracks 1,2,4

About the Author:

Keith Hannaleck, known as “MuzikMan” is a Journalist specializing in independent and major music reviews and the promotion of artists via the various media outlets flourishing online. He has worked closely with artists, management, publicity directors, and webmasters to provide some of the best and far-reaching coverage an artist could have. Focusing primarily on the internet as a medium for his work, Keith has been a pioneer in the industry changing the way a reviewer with his various talents are used by many artists, PR folks, and labels. He has provided strong and valuable work to labels, artists, and publicity people, writing reviews, press releases, and biographies and much more over the years, giving the people he works with the maximum amount of exposure through several top-notch websites that post his content on their sites.

Hannaleck built and maintained his own website in 1998 while networking and building his reputation through thousands of reviews and interviews, creating a special niche for himself. Through many years of dedication and hard work, he has reached a respected level of competence and knowledge that is frequently sought by the music industry today. Known for his speaking from the heart interpretations of music and being able to put it in layman’s terms for music fans, his work is found everywhere in cyberspace and in traditional print media, from press kits to quotes from reviews in magazine advertisements.