Shake My Hand (95 North, 2004)
Tom Gillam
Reviewed by Robert Wooldridge
Elsewhere "Your Parting Gift" has a bluesy Lynyrd Skynyrd feel, and "Stand By You" features Byrds-like harmonies. Gillam wrote or co-wrote all 13 tracks, and he is particularly effective on ballads such as "I Could Be The One," which deals with the angst of unexpressed emotion, and "Ali Says She's Leaving," a tale of a disintegrating relationship. With "One Park Lane" Gillam reflects on lost love from the past, while "One Step At A Time" gazes hopefully into the future.
The music throughout is driven by Gillam's excellent slide guitar work, and he is well accompanied by Craig Simon (guitar), Dan Showell (drums), Tim McMaster (bass) and producer Joe Carroll (mandolin). With pleasant vocals, thoughtful lyrics and stellar musicianship Tom Gillam delivers an impressive country-rock collection. (Box 10070, Swanzey, N.H. 03446)
CDs by Tom Gillam
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