Guitar will always be in my Life
New digital releases and recent videos.
The most up-to-date videos can be seen on my YouTube page, https://www.youtube.com/c/TomDoughty below are tasters.
December 2023. My first, one take video of a studio live recording…”Corrina Corrina, where you been so long…..”
Followed by my first ever live video, recorded at a gig for the Workers Film Association in Manchester 2003. This is despite me playing the guitar since around 1973 and exclusively ‘learning’ the guitar placed on my lap using a slide since around 1976. (I’m still learning)….
Third one down, a (as usual), heavily improvised version (of Darlin Cora) with my friend Tim Edey. From our house concert here at Slideytowers , December 2024, recorded on an iPad.
Finally, a snippet of a Paraorchestra gig (live) from Doha where we were given free rein to improvise over a structure of baroque music written by Corelli in the early 1700s. The Conductor, Charles Hazlewood suggested I improvise over the top of our performance. So enjoyable – the stinking bass of my guitar through the PA and just letting the music flow through my fingers.. 😀 . Loved it!
Check out my video page for YouTube links and more.
Tom Doughty is an acclaimed musician, performer, songwriter, recording artist and teacher who has toured both the UK and internationally. Today he is acknowledged as one of the world’s finest lap steel guitar players. His original mentor, Woody Mann describes Tom’s music as ‘coming from that natural place great music comes from – personal expression, honest and right from the heart. The music just flows. He uses his unique set of circumstances as an opportunity to explore the limitless possibilities of making music. The sounds of his musical roots are there as his creative springboard – from lush jazz ballads to bluesy Mississippi Delta grooves to his own interpretations of classic tunes. But with his spontaneous approach, unique playing style and swinging groove, Tom creates something new, something completely his own. His original instrumental and vocal improvisations envelop you with his own excitement of the moment as the music seems to just happen. For me, playing music with Tom is a joy, on stage and off. It’s always about improvisation, searching, and listening.’
“I can’t stress the impact that Woody had on my musical life and journey. He was a wonderful, kind and generous man and I will always miss him “. Below is the only recording that Tom and Woody completed. Their improvised version of Manhã de Carnaval, the Brazilian jazz tune used in the film Black Orpheus.
Tom’s approach to the instrument and his playing style were developed through years of persistence and hard work as he musically overcame the limitations caused a permanent spinal injury he had at the age of 17. A unique voice among guitar players. It is his belief that the pleasure of making music must be available to everyone, whatever their restrictions.
“Those unique circumstances. My father, the engineer teaching me how to be creative, inventive and resourceful. His records. By chance, the musical background, the way I learn, the physical complexities and proportions of my spinal Injury and fingers. My right hand, barely able to make a claw; but enabling me to re-invent the way I play finger style, making best use of my shoulder, elbow and wrist. The forefinger of my left hand being so flaccid that I can throw the bottleneck around using my elbow and wrist. My love of fun and exercise so I enjoy keeping fit which in turn helps me to balance in order to play the guitar and throw my arms around.. A unique set of circumstances?
We all have unique circumstances.
Entangled Life. It’s life affirming “.
This will always be a human, non-AI website! :-)… From the icons at the top of this page, you will find my Social Media, Youtube channel and recorded music for purchase. Additionally, the SoundCloud channel has clips of music and interviews that are not available anywhere else.
