Tom E. Lewis: Can’t Change Your Name

I first listened to the new release from Tom E. Lewis while I was carelessly flicking through emails. There was a wholesome, soulful, incredibly engaging vocal which made me pay attention to the above clip, a grainy video of frolicking young Aboriginals and the Northern Territory born singer doing his thing, seen through a rear view mirror of an old auto.

The man has had an interesting past, he has been featured in Shakespearean stage productions, toured the world as a jazz-didge musician (didgeridoo for you non Australian folk) and he was the star of the 70’s film The Chant Of Jimmy Blacksmith. Following decades of work as a celebrated artist on stage, in the studio and on screen he has produced a worldly, jazz tinged record, Beneath The Sun.

The deep, organic vocals within the song Can’t Change Your Name may remind ears of sounds created by greats of the soul genre, Tom Waits, Johnny Cash and Wilco – it’s a welcome sound that fills Lewis’ highly anticipated record, Beneath The Sun. Lyrically, the record tells of murder, love and respect through its words, Lewis uses the record to tell listeners of modern Australian life.

You can pick up a copy of Tom E. Lewis’ album, ‘Beneath the Sun’ via iTunes, it’s sure to be a great listen for modern day listeners and existing appreciators of the man from Ngukurr.

Words by Carol Bowditch.