All of the music heard on this page is created by Tomas David Hood. That's me - Tomas, and I play guitar and keyboard, and I sing. I am just starting to learn the Bass guitar, too. I've been thinking about learning the Mandolin!
Sound amplification is through the Genz Benz Amplifiers. Here's the scoop on the amp:
+ The new SHENANDOAH-- STEREO DELUX 200, which has been designed as the most full featured professional acoustic amp available—able to reproduce the warm, natural, distinctive tones of acoustic instruments, even at high output levels. The stereo 200 watt design provides incredible headroom and is capable of continuous high level dynamic output for the club or concert stage.
The stereo amp design and "FLEXED" speaker baffle work together to better project the rich, detailed STEREO programs of the two onboard Alesis-- Digital Effects processors. Both DSP's can be assigned to operate on the same or individual channels and can be turned on and off by the footswitch (included).
To tie the sound together either through the amp, or into the recording software, Tomas uses the Line6 PODxt and TonePort UX2 to mike and shape the sound.
We humans are musical by nature. Music, no matter where it comes from, nor who makes it, causes a response in us. I'm just like you - any music which inspires a response in me can influence me in the overall scheme of things.
I do want to be clear about something: just because an artist inspired me, musically, or had an impact in the shaping of my tastes in music, it does not mean that I endorse nor am aligned with the views, religions, political leanings, or lifestyle of any particular artist.
I have my own beliefs, forged by a life-long journey of personal search and work. These beliefs are expressed by my life, my music, how I do what I do, and so forth. No one can separate his or her religion from his or her daily life. It is one and the same.
With that foundation, let me tell you a bit about my influences, musically. Here's a wide ranging list:
John Michael Talbot; Joe Satriani; David Gilmore; Michael Hedges; David Lanz; George Winston; U2; Styx; Led Zep; Pink Floyd; Rush; Dream Theater; Larry Norman; Randy Stonehill; Ted Nuggent; Tommy Shaw; Dennis De Young; Jeff Beck; Jean Michael Jerre; Michael Omartian; Super Tramp; Annie Lennox; Heather Nova; Vangelis; and so many more!
I sound like me. Of course, there are elements of the influences in my history that have helped shape my playing. Obviously, the musical styles that I like influence how I play. And, certain bands and musicians have inspired my compositions, my tones, my chosen keys, chord progressions, and melodies. Even how I mix the sound is influenced by my knowledge of and preference for certain styles, musicians, and producers/engineers.
For instance, I really dig the production and sound engineering of Alan Parsons. T-Bone is another producer whose work I appreciate. So too, Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, and others.
I tend to gravitate toward progressive, melodic, if not symphonic, rock and jazz fusion. For instance, Jethro Tull, U2, Rush, Pink Floyd (and now solo David Gilmour and Roger Waters, even Nick Mason and Richard Wright), Joe Satriani, Dream Theater, Styx (but specifically, Grand Illusion, Equinox, well, anything earlier than Paradise Theater), Kansas, Supertramp. I love minor keys, but as the Bible says, "There is a season for..." There are times when I am in a more driving, fun, down on the floor rock. Other times I am into story-telling Western styles, and folk / folk-rock styles (Bob Dylan, Neil Young).
While I admire "shredding" on the guitar, and hope to increase my skills in pulling off great scale-ish riff work, I tend to feel that shredding can be just a bunch of melodic noise, and not really create "song scapes." I suppose it is fun to watch a bunch of race cars go around and around on a race track. And see a winner. However, my deepest joy involving a vehicle is to get in one and take a memorable, scenic road trip. Same with music.
Please purchase my song(s) here:
So, I can list some of those bands and artists whose sounds I've picked up and discovered being a part of my sound creations. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
+ Pink Floyd, especially the song writing of Roger Waters, the guitar playing of David Gilmor, and some of the keyboard work of Richard Wright.
+ Joe Satriani (of course...) - This guy can not only attack his instruments with skill, but he can craft music with great heart and soul. Many so-called great guitarists have speed and technical skill, but, cannot create memorable, soul-moving songs. Joe can.
Jeff Beck - WOW. What a really creative guitarist. You'll hear some basic techniques in Tomas' guitar work, (nothing even closely as skilled as Jeff's), that arrive out of the influences of Jeff Beck's compositions (from 'Guitar Shop' onward. Note: Check out Jeff's "Jeff" album. That's a nuclear bomb of sound!).
+ Alan Parson's Project - not all of the styles nor all of the musicians that Alan has used to craft his projects. However, his standard of production / engineering is influential in my own sound crafting. I've a lot to learn, and I don't have the most elaborate equipment...
+ Marc Seal (recent influence) - he combines skill and technique with great musician-ship. He can create very memorable and listenable "shredded" music.
+ Rush - I am gravitating away from their philosophies on life, but certainly admire their skill, songwriting, and musical compositions.
+ Led Zep - a true blues band, combining folk rock, fusion elements, and high-decible fun. They've changed the whole sound scape of modern rock. Obviously, they've influenced my music.
+ Super Tramp - this band can write songs, and create compositions that are incredible. I don't see a lot of people referencing them, but they have had a huge impact on modern rock. And certainly, on my music.
+ Men at Work - there are sounds and tones, and certain elements of their compositions, that I find creeping into my music.
+ Newsboys - Phil Joel, specifically. Amazing song writing, and compositions. Simple, elegant, yet powerful and almost symphonic.
+ Vangelis - one of the greatest modern musical composers, incorporating modern instruments and electronics. Huge influence on me. The best work, in my opinion, is "Soil Festivities" - and this one album has a huge influence in my composition.
+ John Michael Talbot - in a word, he and his brother pioneered the sound that the Eagles commercialized. But more, John (amazing guitar player) also is in tune with the soul, and his entire essence influences my work.
+ Heather Nova - another under-rated songwriter/musician. WOW. She is one of the greatest in my opinion. She's created some of the richest, hard-hitting, deeply moving sound scapes I've ever immersed myself into.
+ David Lanz - compositions and production that is very influential to my composing.
+ Styx - Dennis' songwriting is a very finely-honed art. The compositions he's come up with are a major influence in my efforts. Tommy's guitar songwriting are also play key roles in my sound. Their voices rock, too. I just can't stand the preaching that has come into the "new" Styx lyrical work. I think fantesy/romantic anthem rock is dead for now...
There are countless others... I'll keep updating this as I think through this aspect of my music.
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Tomas David Hood™ songwriter+guitarist = NEW SONG!'s Latest Blog Entry
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Check out this video: The Robin (Spring is Coming) (BMI)
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Please purchase my song(s) here:
Now, more personally:
I started playing music while in the 4th grade, back in the early 1970's, when I was encouraged to try playing a clarinet in the school "band." That did not work out very well. I ventured into playing an electric guitar about the same time. However, it was not until 1979 that I became dedicated to learning the guitar.
In the 1980's and 1990's, I was a radio DJ and a radio station technician/engineer. I also worked as a sound engineer for live venues, and was part of a musical team, where I played rythm guitar and occassional drums.
After 2000, I became more dedicated to songwriting. In 2007, I decided to become a professional songwriter as well as a performing artist.
I play a Peavey T-60 electric guitar, and two Taylor acoustic/electric guitars, the 614ce and the T-5. I use Line6 and Genz Benz equipment.
On this page, you'll hear examples of ideas that are being tried in my humble and meager home studio (a very modest starting point). The recordings feature the Taylor and Peavey guitars, and sometimes keyboard as well as my vocals.
Watch the blog for the latest notes and comments regarding the music. Would you also please leave a comment about which song ideas and sounds you liked, or disliked? Your honest feedback is appreciated. Thank you.
I am also an author (science-related), magazine article writer, and a sound engineer. I enjoy amateur radio (also known as Ham Radio), among other activities. In the day-to-day work in the computer field, I repair computers, design websites, and related tasks.
Please, leave a comment on your favorite of my samples. Comment on what you think should be changed, improved, or just left as is. I know, it takes some time to do this, but, isn't that what real social networking is all about?
Do you have comments?
I only approve comments that are about my music, or are from friends that are involved in a real two-way, give-and-take friendship and networking connection with me.
I no longer approve comments that are simply advertisements, even if slightly disguised.
Perhaps you are wondering why I am selective. This page is about my musical journey; where I have come from, where I am now, and where I am going. Additionally, it is a place where I want to meet other musicians and people who appreciate music, perhaps mine.
I am not your advertisement page. I don't mind a friend or fellow musican coming here and discussing or commenting about my music, and then they have a signature about themselves. That would be fine.
Please: if you wish to be a friend or if you wish to network with me, actually read my bio and other information, and actually listen to my sample music tracks. Then, leave comments about how you like or dislike something. Tell me what worked for you, or what I could change or improve upon. Take the time to develop a connection with me.
I try to answer as much as possible, but I only place comments about my music on my page. I think that is what this page should be about. So please listen to my music and tell me what you think about it.
With that said, I am now going to tell you about myself. I am going to write in the first-person, because I am promoting myself on this page. I do not have an assistant or publicist.
This slide show lets you peek into my world, just a bit, which might help you get to know me just a little more. These are photos of people I love, the pets I adore, the place where I live, as well as photos of me and the instruments I play and the equipment I use.
So, take some time and enjoy my slide show! Then, please read more about me, below the slide show...
Check out this great radio show (and on the Internet, too):
Do you want to be added as a friend?
I really appreciate it when new 'friends' take the time to hear my music, and then actually comment on it with some depth.
What did you like about my music? What did you not like? What song or riff was cool, and why? Do you have some suggestions on improving my playing of the guitar?
Please take the time to actually read and listen to the material on my space, if you want to really be a friend. I don't go for mindless 'advertisement' schemes... I go for building friendships and networking. Thank you .... Tomas David Hood
Check out this playing! This takes a lot of work...
I am a Christian. Not a religious person, but a deeply spiritual one. I don't mind sharing with you the reason why I am a Christian. If you have questions, please message me.
The following "friends" in my top 40 change from time to time. My goals are: 1) Show you special artists/musicians that I come across which I feel deserve to be known; I am sharing with you my latest discovery of other musicians, 2) show you those that played major parts of my influence and life. The fact is, I cannot possibly show you ALL of those who I care about, who I think are amazing, and who I think you should know about. So, I rotate....
Tomas David Hood™ songwriter+guitarist = NEW SONG!'s Friend Space (Top 40)
Tomas David Hood™ songwriter+guitarist = NEW SONG! has 2316 friends.
yes i really enjoy your music,you got it going on,great job,love it,keep up the great job,looking forward to hearing more,,,,,,,your friend.,,,,,, Faye
Thanks so very much for your gracious add, your kind words, and a very good morning to you!
You have wonderful music on your page and you have great music influences as well.
Have a wonderful week, many well wishes, blessings, and inspiration to you, and much continued success to you. What a sweet and adorable, and guitar and music loving kitty!
Hello there. After listening to The Robin, I would like to congratulate you on yet another great song. I can definitely feel the emotion that you put into your music, and it's rather beautiful music. I have had you on my myspace friends list for quite some time now, and I have listened to all your songs that you have put out. Every single one of them is an enjoyable piece of art, and inspires me to write music as well. Thank you for inviting me to your page to listen to this splendid song, I really enjoy how you always tell us when you have a new song up. I always get excited. Well once again the music is great, and God bless you Tomas.
Thank you for letting me know. You spring song is so nice that I think spring cant resist breaking through and melting down all snow!
Nice tune!
Personally I think mandolin is a tricky instrument. It is so small and my fingers so thick:) Tell me when you are loading up a mandolin tune and I'll be over to listen at it, fast as a lightening:)
Welcome over to EARPOWER for some listening! It's the same old song:)
Loved the offering, I think if you add a bass line you could do very well out of that song. Sunday afternoon is also a very nice tune. Wasnt so keen on the Sarah Epperly one as it really needs the bass to tie it all together for that song.
Over all I think you got some great stuff and add the bass and you could do very well.
Hi Tomas, I just listened to your music anread your bio. You sure have focus on your music. I like the sound. Are you recording at home? What are you using? It is very clean. Instrumental writing is very difficult. You should be proud of what you created.....major
Hi Tomas, Just stopping by, to wish You and Leah, A Great Week! I hope that you are both doing ok, and your Music is going well! Take Care, Hugs From Defiance, Darla and Son Brandon.
Hey, Hope all is well with you and yours. My new song is now on my player. I hope you like it. Let me know what you think. It's called TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL. Thanks.
Hi Tomas, and Leah,
<br />Hope you are having A good Monday, Happy St. Patricks Day! Did you get things figured out with My Family? There are alot of Leatherman's, LOL? Please keep in touch Ok? Hugs Darla and Brandon.
every person on this earth has a story..what is yours..also wanted to personally thank you for even taking the chance to listen for real so many bands on here it is really respectable so here is my thanks..write back :) thanx for the love! Jeff
Hi! Just wanted to let you know I dropped in to listen to your music! It's really great. I love your one about spring. Spring is my favorite time of year. It seems like we have jumped straight from winter to summer here in Florida!
I play a Peavey T-60 electric guitar, and two Taylor acoustic/electric guitars, the 614ce and the T-5. I use Line6 and Genz Benz equipment.
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