tom fidgen

Happy Bang-7 Day

2012-06-07T05:21:00.002-07:00

"...stop and recognize life is not a race between us and them. It's a journey we all share."

The Soundtrack of Life

2012-04-26T13:25:00.001-07:00

Fine Homebuilding

When people ask me what I do for a living I tell them I’m a wood worker…sometimes. Sometimes I say I’m a musician. Sometimes I say I’m a Dad. Sometimes worlds collide and I’m able to do a project that mixes mediums and over the last few months that is sort of what occurred.
I was asked by the fine folks at Fine Homebuilding.com to write six original scores for some new online video features they’ve recently produced. In between chapters for my new book and wood working classes, I managed to write and record the pieces and I’m thrilled to be able to share them with you. The video’s are available here, at the Fine Homebuilding website and represent the 2012, Fine Homebuilding HOUSES Award Winners. Jump over to the link and take a look at some incredible home designs and architecture.
Ranging from remodels to new homes, best-energy smart homes and retirement there is something there for everyone.
Colin Russell has produced some fine video’s and the back ground music isn’t that bad either!
Check it out when you get a few minutes.
Cheers!

Friday January 13th

2012-01-11T15:42:00.000-08:00

Yes it's Friday and yes it's the 13th...
( very superstitious ) and yes I'll be on Daytime. daytime Toronto that is.
Tune in to Rogers TV and see what I've been up to.
Live at 10AM we'll be talking about wood working, my new book deal with the Taunton Press as well as playing some live music.
What else would you be doing at ten o'clock in the morning?
Cheers!

Homegrown Hamilton

2011-11-11T07:26:00.001-08:00

Hey folks,
just a note to let you know I'll be performing an acoustic showcase on November 19th in Hamilton as a part of the Hamilton Music Awards.

The venue is Homegrown Hamilton and is located at: 27 King William St, Hamilton, ON

If you're in 'the Hammer' on the 19th then come on by and say hello~ I go on at 8pm.

Cheers!

and so it begins...

2011-11-10T12:54:00.000-08:00

The Unplugged Woodshop

It’s November 10th, 2011 and I have some exciting news to share.
I’m happy to say I just signed a new publishing deal with none other than the Taunton Press. The company that brings us Fine Woodworking Magazine, Fine Home building, Fine Gardening and Fine Cooking.
I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to work with a world class establishment regarded as the leader in it’s field for more than 30 years.
The new book will be jammed packed with new projects for both the wood shop as well as the home. From shop made hand tools to furniture design and projects there will be something for everyone.
In these challenging and uncertain times I feel fortunate to have the chance to write this, my second book on hand tool only, wood working and look forward to getting started and sharing the process as I go.
Some more good news is we’ll be filming the entire process this time around and the web site will be undergoing a few changes as video content and pod casts become available as I get into the work.
The new book is scheduled for release in time for the Holidays, 2012 which is a little more than a year away. It’s going to be an exciting 13 months and I welcome you to join me through the process.
To all of my readers over the last 4 years I thank you and say stay tuned for much, much more.

‘Inspiration for hands-on living’

I like the sound of that!
Cheers~

Goin' to the Griffin

2011-10-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

If you're in the Bracebridge area of Ontario on Friday, October 14th then please join me for a solo show at the Griffin Gastro Pub.
Seems they have a great menu full of fine food and ales.
Hope to see you there for an evening of my usual debauchery.
Cheers!

the Gorman bench

2011-10-04T08:52:00.001-07:00

fifty more

2011-09-26T14:14:00.001-07:00

happy 50th mom and dad-; )

haves and have nots.

2011-09-18T10:08:00.001-07:00

I found this on deshoda.com.

what the weather man said...

2011-09-12T09:41:00.000-07:00

Weather man by tom fidgen

This is a demo I did back in 1998/99 in Cape Breton.
It was recorded at the original Sound Park Studio in Irish Vale by Jamie Foulds and on drums is his brother Mathew ( Mattie ) Foulds.
This was during a Sunfish session when Scott Brown and I were recording some 'new' material.
Tunes like Pushing Ink, Davey Jones and Tomorrow Tonight were all recorded during this session.
Mattie was home from Scotland for the Celtic Colours Festival.
I'll post the rest of this session in the next few days.
Enjoy!

UPSTAIRS IN AUGUST

2011-08-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well, well. August already eh?

The word is on Saturday, August 13th I'll be at the Upstairs Club in the North end of Sydney for some summer time tunes. I'd love to see all the Sydney crowd make it out again for a few.
I had an excellent night the first time around back in March and hope for more of the same this trip.
The usual times and details apply.
Until then enjoy the sun when you see it.
Cheers!

knitting the raincoat

2011-07-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

LIVE from the Red Shoe Pub

Mabou, Cape Breton Island

July 28th, 2011

CROSSOVER

2011-06-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,
Thought I'd let you know the new Ashley MacIsaac album is available and if you would be so kind, take note when track 5 comes along~; )
it's a little tune called mermaids.
You may recall the story?

Well, gotta get back it. June is absolutely insane busy...see you soon.

The Red Shoe Pub in July

2011-05-31T04:56:00.000-07:00

Hey guys-
Just wanted to tell everyone to mark their calendars for Thursday, July 28th and set the GPS for the town of ~~Maboo~~ ( Mabou ;) on the West side of Cape Breton Island.
I'm playing a full night of music at the Red Shoe Pub and we'll be getting things started around 10pm.
'The Shoe' was reopened in 2005 by the Rankin family and is known by locals and returning travelers for its great food, drinks and live music.
This will be my first time playing at the Red Shoe and I'm looking forward to seeing all of my summertime friends coming out.
Now if you think I have a hidden agenda because my cousin ( and friend ) Fred Murphy is the chef at the pub then you may just be right!
Lots of good food, drinks and music indeed- join me in Mabou on Thursday, July 28th !
Cheers-

TORONTO SHOW ANOUNCED

2011-04-19T04:59:00.000-07:00

Well hello out there- seems like it's been awhile I know. Well I'm happy to say I have a showcase here in Toronto for the TIMA's ( Toronto Independant Music Awards ) on May 15th at Clinton's Tavern.
( 693 Bloor St West, Toronto, ON )

Joining me for the show will be none other than Stephan Szczesniak on drums and Peter Fusco on the bass. Together they make up the amazing rhythm section that played on my album, a boy called fish.
I hope you can make it out.

Cheers!

Just When you Thought it Safe to go Back in the Water

2011-04-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

SUNFISH - Mola mola

Now Available on iTunes

It's been 17 years since Mola mola was released and I'm happy to finally announce that Mola mola is now available on iTunes !
I've been getting letters for years from fans asking where they can get a copy and can happily say right here-
Cheers.

april

2011-04-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

april one was when we started to run down the coast
hid behind our youth like it was made out of armour.
what we expected to find i don't know what we expected to see-
a fugitive, a fellowship and me.

when we walked in the room there must have been 26 souls
just-a-dyin'…
and by the look in their eyes they all wanted to burn us down.
so beautiful in our youth with all of our own addictions,
they said, " c'mon boys, let's take these bastards outside."

i guess we finally learned that the journey was our own destination
and our own destination never, ever seemed to lead us from there
what we're expecting to find i don't know who we expected to see,
a fugitive, a fellowship or me.

painted upstairs

2011-03-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

my friend kenny boone was just steps away from my mic stand the other night painting along side the music makers on stage and upstairs the saturday past.
artists and friends gathering to share and celebrate.

kenny just sent me an image and i wanted to share it...
i love having other forms and mediums happening together and look forward to more of the same next time around.
more paint for sure but maybe someone might turn a bowl or two while people sing?
wouldn't that be cool !
basket weavers and knitters welcome as well-
may have to relocate for wood shavings-; )
maybe outside ?
outside ~ upstairs ...... ???
better work that out !!
;D
metal workers may have to make a rehearsal prior...
welders and masons the same.....
lets just say all artisan crafters, hipsters and freaks
welcome.
maybe a few will be live and crafting hard !
sell your wares. spread the word.meet like minded human types.

so writers and hookers unite.
( and if you don't know any good hookers than go to the west side of the island : o )

here is kenny's work:

Title : Heads

Size : 4'x2'

Medium : Acrylic

C'MON UPSTAIRS AWHILE...

2011-03-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

upstairs felt like home- 

what more could i say?

north end sydney,

my home town.

incredible night.

the staff are some of the friendliest i've ever had the privilege to work with... anywhere~

 and smile with, anywhere.

 i guess that's the point i wanted to make. 

friends from all over the island.

my belle cote 'family'

 actually the whole friggin' island and province extended fish family that made it out.

the merry lads that came down from halifax cheers to you too- !

sydney, nova scotia...

cape breton made.

family and friends, new friends and old-

new sunfish friends ( how cool was that ? ) and old sunfish fans....

a sold out show - 

sorry for anyone that didn't get in...

maybe two nights next time??

; )

we'll do it all again this summer.

fingers crossed....

photo by Murd Smith.

Ashley MacIsaac and Tom Fidgen - Devil In The Kitchen (Live)

2011-03-03T19:34:00.000-08:00

see, it wasn't just a strange dream after all....

WOOGER - tom fidgen

2011-03-03T10:57:00.000-08:00

well i guess its time to start the show,
and i might as well first let you know we've all got the time on our sides-

the stars may stop to lend an ear
to share this sinner glory-story and hear we've all got the ink on our arms

it don't depend on only who you know
we'd better start reaching out together and show that we all still give a damn

a new piece of music by scott brown and tom fidgen...
it's still growin ~

SYDNEY DIDN'T SINK march 1st- 2011

2011-03-01T07:25:00.000-08:00

DOROTHY GALE

2011-02-28T15:56:00.000-08:00

oh dorothy gale,
welcome to the country
bring your suitcase and some gasoline
                                    we'll paint these citrus skies-
    oh dorothy gale
the colours in your eyes dear
                                    the colours in your eye

oh dorothy gale
let me introduce the pitch fork
when mermaids bleed in oiled seas those barrel prices high
my dorothy gale
it's the colours in your eyes dear,
colours in your eye

oh dorothy gale
..................welcome to the country

bring your suitcase and some gasoline we'll paint these citrus skies
sweet dorothy gale
there's an ocean in your eyes dear an ocean in your eye

A Devil in the Kitchen

2011-02-23T09:34:00.000-08:00

It's funny how it goes-
a few weeks ago I posted a quick video for my 'mostly-instrumental' tune called 'mermaids'. It's a finger-style guitar tune I wrote and is part of a larger piece of music I've been working on called 'knitting the raincoat'. This is a group of tunes in open 'C' tuning and has been haunting me for many years...I've been slowly piecing it together bit by bit with little pieces being written and developed but never being recorded.
So to get back on track, once the clip for mermaids hit the 'You~Tubes', I received a letter from my 'ol friend, fellow Cape Bretoner, Ashley MacIsaac. Ashley asked me if I'd be into recording the song with him for his new album due out later this spring. Needless to say I'm thrilled and excited to record mermaids with Ashley and can't wait to hear what he comes up with for the fiddle melodies...

We have a studio booked for this coming Friday here in the city but before that we'll get a chance to catch up this Thursday night ( Feb. 24th) here in Toronto. !!!

Thursday happens to be Ashley's birthday and he's doing a gig here in town at The Sound Academy and has asked me to play guitar with him on a few tunes.
It'll be great to hook up and if you're in the Toronto area feel free to come along for the ride.
; )

The show is the Amsterdam Kegger Series featuring Mr. Lahey and Randy of the Trailer Park Boys!
It should prove to be an interesting evening with yours truly, Ashley MacIsaac and the Trailor Park boys- Don't miss it .

For more information on Ashley MacIsaac follow this link!

Cheers~

LIBERATION SQUARE

2011-02-22T16:41:00.000-08:00

My close friend Scott Brown sent me an mp3 file a few weeks ago with a couple of chords tapped out on his piano...I was in the middle of watching some footage from Liberation Square on the CBC News and immediately hooked into this melody and lyric.
The song came in a hurry and I decided to record a rough version of it in its present form. When I get to Cape Breton in March, Scott and I will have some time to sit with it again and I'm confident the arrangement will change and the song will naturally evolve as it should.
I picture a young man watching a video on YouTube, following the footage in Egypt and as the camera sweeps across the crowd of protesters, 18 days into the stand he eyes the face of a beautiful girl within the masses and instantly falls in love with her. This is their song ~ Liberation Square.

liberation square -    (blind love)

i see you smilin' again in liberation square
     until we meet again
on the air waves through the speakers now its in the air
one less we two become
      while we smilin' in the face of liberation square

you know that i've known anger
    find some push come to shove
you don't know the danger
falling into blind love blind -

blind love   blind love

you know i've known anger
    find the push come to shove
you don't know the danger
falling into blind love blind -
blind love
my blind-blind love    .
.............................................................