Produced by Ross O’ Reilly, the hand behind ‘Judgement Day’ by Stealth (featured on Suits), ‘Don’t Think I’m Leaving Without You’ channels its laidback funk and soul stylings from artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Al Green, as well as more contemporary artists like Steve Lacy. Blending Motown groove with hip hop inspired beats that wouldn’t sound out of place on an A Tribe Called Quest track (see ‘Electric Relaxation’), the song chronicles the aftermath of a breakup. Getting lost on nights out and meeting strangers momentarily fills the void inside:
“I’ve been searching for another meaning / Even if it’s only for the day” goes its memorable refrain. Tommy’s vocal delivery is like the character portrayed in the song: jaded but libidinous, and riding a groove that could last all weekend. If soul music is a slick and artful expression of human vulnerability, then Tommy has it down pat.
An incisive lyricist and a highly skilled multi-instrumentalist, Tommy Down has been writing music and recording since he was fourteen. He went on to tour and performed jazz standards across Europe from the age of 20 in a Bristol-based Jazz Orchestra. During his time at Bristol, he netted a few accolades, including ’Best Original Composition’ at the UK Open Mic Competition. After leaving Bristol Tommy moved back to London, where he began and finished a soul album with jazz and blues-rock influences, which he has been performing across the city with his band Pink Yesterday. While flying from London to New York he has also forged some eminent collaborations this year in order to complete this body of work.
Collaborators include Jeffrey Silverman (Aloe Blacc), Charlie Perry (who helped produce Jorja Smith’s Lost and Found), and John Shave & Jason Pebworth from the grammy-nominated “Invisible Men” – the hitmakers behind songs by Britney Spears and Rita Ora. Both as a bandleader and as a solo artist Tommy unequivocally shines, but it’s in the latter category especially that we’re seeing him give voice to his unique art.
LInks
https://www.facebook.com/Tommy-Down-138191366266833/
https://soundcloud.com/nii-amar-children
Tommy Down: https://www.instagram.com/tommydownmusic/
Pink Yesterday (live backing band): https://www.instagram.com/pinkyesterday/
https://twitter.com/TheTommyDown
