Music review: Bill Toms and Hard Rain – 鈥楪ood for My Soul鈥�
It鈥檚 always rewarding to see a hometown boy make good. Bill Toms continues to impress by releasing new material that speaks directly to the heart and soul of anyone striving to make a difference through hard work and gutsy perseverance.
Back in 1979 and 1980, local success stories such as Cleveland鈥檚 Michael Stanley Band and Pittsburgh鈥檚 own Joe Grushecky and the Iron City Houserockers provided inspiration to me as my garage band dreamed of one day playing the big stage as we struggled to get noticed.
Toms continues to play out that rock star dream with the release of 鈥淕ood for My Soul.鈥� Hints of the Pittsburgh musician鈥檚 early musical influences such as Bobby Bland, Muddy Waters, Otis Redding and Bruce Springsteen can be clearly heard on the 11 tracks penned by Toms that feature a nod and a wink to the classic sounds from Stax Records infused with a little Steel City attitude.
The Soulville Horns join Hard Rain and make an impactful presence by setting a soulful tone early on the opening number 鈥淚鈥檇 Be a Rich Man Today鈥� as Toms sings, 鈥淎nd if I had a penny for all the pain/If I had a dime for all the rain/If I had a dollar for every teardrop/I鈥檇 be a rich man today.鈥�
Songs like 鈥淏ack to Memphis,鈥� 鈥淒evil鈥檚 Train鈥� and 鈥淲orkin'鈥� possess plenty of swagger, determination and sincere honesty as Toms outlines the character of those struggling to make a better life for themselves and their family.
Flavorings of Motown can be witnessed on the smooth and tender 鈥淣othing Like My Baby,鈥� while Toms highlights his spiritual side with the gospel-tinged tracks 鈥淚鈥檓 Sad No More鈥� and 鈥淚鈥檓 Going Home.鈥�
For me, the highlight of the album arrives during the gripping 鈥淗ard to Say Goodbye.鈥� You can truly feel the pain and vulnerability in Toms鈥� voice as he sings, 鈥淚f you hear the news I鈥檝e fallen/If you鈥檙e told my end is here/If you hear I鈥檝e crossed to Jordan/Know I鈥檒l wait for you there/But it鈥檚 so hard to say goodbye.鈥�
鈥淒esperate Times鈥� closes the engaging set by seeking peace and understanding during these confusing times as Toms sings, 鈥淩aise your hands and be counted/Lift your voice, take a stand/Power to my union brother/Family farm and the desperate man.鈥�
Toms makes an area appearance at Pittsburgh鈥檚 Club Cafe on October 20 and 21. Make plans to catch one of these shows. It is guaranteed to be good for your soul.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.