The New King Of Boogie Woogie Returns To Skipton

There’s much that can be said about Tom Seals, as at the tender age of 26 he has already notched up accolades and experiences that many musicians twice his age can only dream of.

From dueting with Jools Holland, Gregory Porter and Jamie Cullum, to securing his own billed slot on the iconic Ronnie Scott’s main stage earlier this year – which sold out within weeks incidentally – there is possibly much for him to feel smug about.

But, growing up in Crewe, Tom was inspired by his grandfather Geoff Seals who played with The Versatile Concert Orchestra to take up the piano at an early age and its this wholesome family approach to his art that means that Seals isn’t smug, not even for a heartbeat – and his work ethic is phenomenal.

Constantly gigging, with a hamster wheel of dates that includes jazz and blues venues and festivals in the UK and worldwide, alongside support slots for bigger name acts such as Yolanda Brown and Ruby Turner, Seals never seems to stop for a moment. Even whilst putting the finishing touches to his brand new EP, due to be released in January, Seals has once again made space in his diary for a gig in the heart of Yorkshire – his fifth in the last two years.

“Skipton’s Alexander’s monthly Gin and Jazz is very special to me,” confides Seals with a smile. “Things have really taken off in the last year, a snowball which probably started with my nomination for the Boisdale Music Award for Best Male Vocalist last year. At that point I was well known in jazz, blues and boogie woogie circles, but not necessarily outside that world which is why I originally seized the opportunity of performing at Alexander’s.

“The venue really appealed as it wasn’t too far from my then home in Manchester and I absolutely loved its Art Deco style interiors and stylish performance space which really fits with my act. Plus the whole ‘gin and cocktails’ thing elevates the evening into something which feels very special.

“Its always been an absolutely tremendous night when I’ve performed there – busy, bustling and just full of atmosphere – so I couldn’t resist the chance to return, which I will be doing on Tuesday November 5th.”

Owner of Alexander’s, Susannah Daley added; “Tom is incredible and his range and repertoire on the piano and vocally is out of this world. He plays around with songs and improvises in the most astonishing ways and is always bantering with the audience. It’s a very special night for us when Tom is the headline.”

Recently described as “Jamie Cullum in the making. Jools Holland on speed”, Seals will perform everything from classic boogie-woogie to jazz and blues and – best of all – audience requests!

alexanders-skipton.com