Tom Bolton

"This month's musician, Tom Bolton, is a relative newcomer to the acoustic scene though he has been steadily developing and crafting a truly unique and unaffected style for many years. His lyrics are disarming and provocative and his guitar style is based on a powerful contemporary sounding approach to chord voicings and rhythm." - Rhythms (October 2008)

"His expressive, poignant croon vaguely hints of Tim Buckley, while the haunting "Silver" and "Longer Than My Life" conjure up Nick Drake. Each song is punctuated by Bolton's resonant guitar playing, which in itself can hold one spellbound." - The Big Takeover

"Tom Bolton hails from Australia where he's making a name for himself on the folk singer circuit and I can see why. Rarely have I heard such dramatic heartfelt music, and it's tinged with a sense of spirituality that's invigorating"

http://www.taprootradio.com/2008/03/when-i-cross-river-by-tom-bolton.html

- Taproot Radio

Tom Bolton crafts folk-influenced songs with real wit and intelligence. His new album contains more than its share of memorable songs.

"Three Hearts" is a song of hope and love regained, Bolton's earnest vocals very much to the fore. "Whose Army" turns political with good results, Bolton's question is; if my people did this to me who will protect me? That holds true no matter who you are where you were born.

"Where You Wanna Go?" is a sweet song for a traveling friend with lightly strummed guitar and accordion to support it. "Hold the Sun" is an ode to keeping the fires burning and it shows Bolton's strength as a songwriter. The bonus disc has a song about biscuits, which is kinda fun. Bolton's made a very enjoyable record.

http://www.lunakafe.com/moon143/au143b.php - Luna Kafe

Tom released "close to the river", a 4-track CD of songs from his new album when I cross the river, as a preview (reviewed in the November 2007 Folk Rag) – now finally the full album has been completed - and is predictably enjoyable.
Tom’s melodious voice flows in easy partnership with his stylish, rhythmic and intelligent songs. He creates beautiful songs out of his personal experiences as he explores his Life’s journey. "When I Cross the River" is another excellent offering from a gifted songwriter and poet.


http://users.tpg.com.au/folkrag/cd_reviews.htm#tb_cr - Folk Rag

All the way from Australia, Tom Bolton reminds us what's meant when referring to the golden age of folk, the day when gentle giants walked the Earth, when heart and brain mattered, when sensitivity to the dilemma of being human was a central concern...and when refined musicality was the mark of a consummate craftsman / woman.

Bolton's guitar work is sensual: mostly broad wistful chords, caressing strums, and languorous fingerpicking beneath a fetchingly moded voice that isn't really quite in anyone else's purview. Various musicians color up the cuts without overthrowing the composer's mainwork.

Most of the cuts are simple and straightforward but oh-so-compelling, beautifully arranged like Cat Stevens or prime mellow Beatles cuts, haunting in effect, persistent in their refusal to leave the ear, resonating long after the disc winds to a close.

http://www.acousticmusic.com/fame/p04578.htm
- Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange

"Tom Bolton has a talent for beautiful and interesting music with a melancholic flair... Bolton's lyrics are intelligent, his melodies instantly memorable, and his performances are spot on."

http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/2008/11/review-tom-bolton-when-i-cross-river.html - Wildy Haskell

It grabs you before your intellect has a chance to kick in with its jaded analysis and sends you on a wave of daydreams. Fred Frith-styled ambient guitars meander under his simple strumming and gorgeous silky voice that recalls Robert Wyatt.

http://musiczeitgeist.com/artist-profile-sweet-acoustic-daydreams-of-tom-bolton/ - Music Zeitgeist