4000 Years
by Tommy / 2004
Release Notes
The debut album 4000 Years marked the culmination of more than four years work during which time constant performances on the South Island festival circuit; including Destination, Visions and the Kaikoura Roots festival, built Tommy’s loyal and passionate following. Invitations to support the John Butler Trio and TrinityRoots only added to Tommy’s reputation as high quality musicians with a professional sound.
The album 4000 Years collects the diverse sounds of Tommy together. 'The Aroha (Love)' side of the album includes Echo Dance and its organ driven verses, snappy vocals and slide-guitar work courtesy of Adi Dick from Stylus 77 - the first of three guests who appear on the album. The gentler 'Sometimes Stones' and its melodic guitars and echoing flute provide a spacious setting for the lead singer, and band namesake, Tommy’s busy vocal phrasing. 'Rise' drives itself with big piano lines and an up-tempo rhythm section giving it a pop flavour. Side A concludes with a sublime piano ballad that is the 'Magpie Song'.
The 'Wairua (Spirit)' side then moves into the feel-good vibe of the dub-styled 'Get Up', which again lifts the tempo of the album and includes the soulful swoon of guest vocalist Hollie Smith. 'Get Up' gives rise to positive words, encouraging people to forget their struggles for a moment, get up and "make it happen". The messages of meaning are continued in 4000 Years which points to the past oppression of women and children and is grounded on the back of a funk-fuelled organ and warm bass line. Guest trumpeter Toby Laing of Fat Freddy’s Drop adds his delicate horn to the track alongside the catchy skank of an acoustic guitar. 'The Shepherd' includes an unmistakable sample from the voice of New Zealand actor George Henare in the film Once Were Warriors, before the album signs off with 'Empty Field' – a live take, recorded from deep inside the Nelson bush.
Tommy’s lyrical delivery on the album moves between the spiritual intensity of 'Sometimes Stones' through to the good time vibe of 'Get Up' and slips into a raspy fervour for the albums title track, '4000 Years'. His vocal diversity is distinct while approachable, meaningful as it is fun-filled and even unexpected, and undoubtedly engaging.
