Namoli Brennet • We Were Born To Rise

I was lucky enough to be in the audience for a recent show by Namoli Brennet, who was touring with Eric Himan. They played at MilkBoy Coffee in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, on October 29th. I was excited about the show, as I had not seen Namoli before. I first heard of Namoli while talking to Tom Goss, who told me Eric was working on a new album with Namoli producing. Tom thought Namoli was an amazing talent. Later, I learned Eric did indeed work on his latest, Supposed Unknown, at Namoli's Southwestern studio. I heard and loved the album, giving me more reason to get excited about the show. So excited, I wouldn't let a bit of snow get in the way of seeing the show.



Now, I usually do my homework before a show, checking out the music and what not, but with the Thanksgiving holiday, it was minimal. Namoli is a Tucson-based trans/genderqueer singer-songwriter who released her first album in 2002. So I was just thrilled when Namoli started playing, and immediately demanded my attention. The show started with Rise, a cut off her latest album, We Were Born To Rise.



I knew right away I would be purchasing that album, and hopefully getting it autographed! I am happy to report, I accomplished that goal, and have my signed copy of the 13-song collection. The music is a delicious combination of Rock and Folk music, much in the rich tradition of Fleetwood Mac and Crosby, Still and Nash. If you look beyond the beautiful melodies and silky arrangements, there is still a strong and distinct voice to be heard. Take, for instance, the compelling Settle Down, inspired when Brennet went to hear Dr. Cornel West speak. The song smartly interweaves theology and philosophy in a modern-day gospel song about civil rights.



We Were Born To Rise has an amazing range of sounds, from the hypnotic and moody Leave The Light On, earthy sound of Fall Away, to the regal soaring of Flightless Birds, to the simple beauty of Decorah. All combined, this is an amazing journey. The album finishes out with I Belong, a ballad that grows and widens, staking a claim on being an elegy.



You can find We Were Born To Rise on iTunes here, on Amazon here, and on CD Baby here. You can also visit Namoli at her official website here. If you have the opportunity to see Namoli live, I'd say rush to make sure you get a ticket. And if you are looking to treat yourself to some aural delights this holiday season, check out the music. You won't be disappointed.

Tom Goss • Rise

Tonight I am going to Washington, DC, to attend Tom Goss' Video Release Party, so I thought I would start the day with a post of his first video, for the song Rise. I will always have a soft spot for the video, as it is just so charming, and I love the song so very much. Check it out.



For more about Tom, check out his official website here. You can find the song on the Rise EP, which is on iTunes here, and on Amazon here. You can also order the physical CD on CD Baby here. You can buy the mp3 files directly from Tom here, or order the CDs here.

Tom Goss - For The Love of Mike...

I have seen Tom Goss many a time, and each has it's own special memory. I have so many pictures of this handsome man, but it was only at the last show that I screwed up the courage to videotape him, and I am so glad I did. The first clip here is Tom singing King of Something Right, talking about two of his favorite topics - Love and his husband, Michael. It is from his Rise EP.



For the second clip, I picked something form his latest album, the brilliant Turn It Around. Once again, he is discussing his love for Michael, and doing so in the most charming and endearing fashion. Here is I Do.

You Can Buy Tom Goss' Package

The Washington DC-based singer/songwriter has completed work on his new album, Turn It Around, and has made it available for pre-purchase in a variety of different packages, from a digital download, to a vacation with Tom and his husband, Mike, and many a variation in between. I, of course, had to order right away, going for the autographed album as well as an 8 x 10 autographed photograph, which also comes with a digital download as soon as it is available! To check out what is available, and to pre-order your copy, go here.

Tom is a blog favorite, and with nothing yet available for the new album, I thought I would run a video of why my fascination with Tom began - a live performance of his incredible song, Rise. When I heard him sing it when he was opening for Eric Himan, it was pretty much all over for me. Lyrically, the song is just amazing.



You can check it out, and pre-order a package which includes a digital download, the package I ordered, or a all that and a DVD with his videos all iPod ready. There is also a package that includes a cool new t-shirt. You can even go for a house concert, where Tom will play at your house, and entertain your friends. You can also order a limited edition CD with all the songs inspired by his love for Mike, whom he recently married. Or would you be interested in a role in an upcoming video? Or maybe, just maybe, you would like to go on a vacation with Tom and Mike? Well, if you click here, it is all available...



Tom is also starting to put dates together for his Spring tour, and make tickets available. So far, their are dates for Washington, DC, Baltimore and Boston at the end of March, but more will be coming. You can check out the information, and order tickets, here. I'm trying to organize my peeps to see when we are going to see him live, cause I know several members of my family can't wait to see him again.

To check out more of his music and his videos, visit Tom's official website here.

Visit Tom Goss for the Holidays

The next stop on my holiday rounds will be in Washington, DC, and my friend, Tom Goss. He is one of the most positive, nice people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He and husband Michael are adorable together. I first got to know Tom and his music when he opened for Eric Himan at the World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, and I was enjoying his set until he got to the song Rise, and it was over for me. I became a huge fan, and still love the song to this day. I mean, I LOVE the song. The lyrics are just so beautiful, so rich, and the music is perfect. Well, see for yourself.



I have all his music, from Naked Without to the Rise EP to Back To Love. There is also the Politics of Love, a few cover songs I got from the website. But best of all, I have seen him play in the Philadelphia and DC areas many times, and even made a show in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware! I knew he was in the studio, and wasn't sure he'd have the time to answer my questions, but he did. We had a great interview for the release of his Lover video (here), so I was hoping this would be fun. What I wasn't ready for were his answers!

Well, I asked my pleasant friend what his favorite holiday song was. His answer was rather short and sweet. "I don't like Christmas music!," he said. Hmmm. I'm doing a holiday post and that is his answer? So I asked if he had a favorite holiday classic to perform. "None!" was the answer. So, I asked him if he was Mr. Crankypants today, or maybe the Grinch. He responded with "The way I feel is that if Christmas songs were actually good we would listen to them all year round..." So, I told him I was quite fond of the song he just released, Christmas, Chicago Time. After all, I had purchased it, and listened to it several times since, still liking it! Turns out Tom had an answer for me. "Hahaha," he laughed, "yeah, I like that one too! But I like it more because it's less Christmas song and more pop song." I guess I'll have to give him a bit on that one. But I will have to remind him of something he did last year, a Pop tune going by the name White Christmas...



I decided to let it go - I know, asking follow-up questions and clarifications isn't exactly letting it go, but I am taking poetic license, alright? So I move on, ans ask him what he'd like to see in the New Year. "I'm looking forward to figuring out a way to relax and spend more time with my husband." I am happy, I have my sweet Tom back.

Since there is apparently no holiday music on it, what does Tom have on his iPod, what current music is he listening to now? "Gosh, I don't know," he replied. "I didn't buy much music this year but did listen to a lot of The Fray/Sonya Kitchell in the car so that narrows it down mostly." And since I figure now would be a good time to run another video, and apparently I still haven't let go at all, I thought I would add a holiday song from The Fray, Happy Christmas (War Is Over).



So I ask, is there something he is looking forward to musically in 2011? "I'm excited about the new album, touring and seeing you more!" and wouldn't you know it, he makes me smile. I, too, am excited about the new album, which he is recording as I type, and a show in Philadelphia in March, and a tour starting in April. When I asked how the recording was going, he laughed and said "well, sounds fun! We're rockin' out hardcore, some of these tracks are going to get people jiving and juking!" Can't ask for more than that, can you?

To listen to or purchase Tom's latest "Pop" tune, (yes, I'd call it a Christmas song) Christmas, Chicago Time, you can go here. You can find his other music on that page too. You can go to his official website here, and hear some of his fantastic music. You can also find him on FaceBook here, where he gives updates on the recording process. Can't help it, still love Tom and his music, but after this interview, I would say I have a bit more respect for Mike... (Just kidding, you know I love ya, Tom!)

Tom Goss - Rise

The first time I saw Tom performing, I will admit to being disappointed at first, for I was hoping Aiden James would be opening for Eric again. So when it was this cute kid I didn't know, I was thrown. In fact, my niece and I had a discussion about him, since I thought he was some str8 frat boy, while Mandy had a much better sense of Gaydar. But as the music went on, I found myself forgetting all the rest, and really liking him. Especially one song in particular. Well, many concerts later, I can say I not only love his music, but I truly enjoy the person as well. And I find it hard to pass up a chance to see him when I can, to enjoy the music and to get a chance to chat with one of the nicest people I have ever met. Oh, and that song I really liked at that first show? It is Rise, still one of my favorite songs of Tom's. The lyrics, they are just beautiful.



Check out Tom's official website here.

Tom Goss Tops LOGO Click List

One of my favorite artists, Tom Goss, topped the LOGO Click List this past week with his simply wonderful song, Till The End. The Click List is an online voting contest and TV show that plays the 'Top 10' each week. There is a list of over 100 videos, of both LGBT and LGBT-friendly artists and this videos. You can view the videos and vote for them. I tend to vote for the LGBT artists, because I am annoyed enough with LOGO's tendency to play str8 label artists over independent gay artists - they are part of MTV, after all. We should be amazed music videos are playing at all.



But to the matter at hand, Tom's video is directed by another out man, J Aron Hinson. Aron was a college student and fan of Tom, finishing his education with a project, the music video for the great song, Rise. It also found the way to the top of the Click List, so it should come as no surprise the talented team scored another #1.



You can go to the LOGO site and vote by clicking here. You can vote as often as you'd like. You can also buy Tom's inspired CD, Back To Love, on iTunes, CD Baby, or at Tom's official website. At Tom's webiste, you can purchase both Back To Love, as well as his amazing EP, Rise, for less than $15. You can click here to reach Tom's online store.