Artist description A swingin 4 piece jump blues band featuring harmonica.

Music Style Blues, Swing

Musical Influences Chicago Blues

Similar Artists Rod Piazza, James Harman, William Clark

Artist History Tom Twonsley and Todd Fitzsimmons have been playin together for 12 years. From touring with Pinetop Perkins and Jimmy Rogers to playing the mainstage at Woodstock 99 dey been around.

Group Members Tom Townsley, Todd Fitzsimmons, Pat DeSalvo, Chad Tomlinson

Instruments Harmonica, Guitar, Bass, Drums

Albums Moonlight Worker

Press Reviews “He’s got that big fat tone, that gorgeous vibrato, and that combination of sinew and subtlety…Harp player are in for a real treat here.” - Blues Revue“Townsley’s got serious harmonica chops—and I’ve long respected him as a wordsmith. He’s put it all together on Moonlight Worker”. –Jerry Portnoy“From beginning to end, Moonlight Worker drips with passion, taste and class.” -Blues Connection“great guitar….traditional without being generic.”—Bob Margolin“Townsley’s an innovative harp player who’s done plenty of listening to the masters but isn’t afraid to try unusual styles or harp positions.”—Blues Access“Parts of this set jump so fine you would think the songs were Louis Prima covers. But Tom Townsley wrote almost all of the tunes, and his tasteful harmonica playing sets the tone for the entire album…A strong release.”---Living Blues“Townsley’s a fine harp player with a lot of good melodic ideas and nice fat tone. I wasn’t absolutely in love with his vocals, but they were on pitch, honest and unpretentious, and in some cases (like “real Gone Lover”) lots of fun, too. I summary, way, way better than most of what I receive and an album to be proud of.” -Bruce Iglauer"The Backsliders…give songs by established blues writers a new slant or distinctively original interpretation."Utica Observer-Dispatch"Townsley's got a TONE. Reminds me of Jerry Portnoy."Pinetop Perkins (of Muddy Waters band)"…sensitive, yet raucous blowing…juicy harp."Syracuse New Times"They sounded real good. They should keep writing those tunes."Charlie Musselwhite"…some really talented players…killer blues sounds…seem to specialize in cool grooves."CD Review (in****{"excellent"} review)"Townsley has what seems to be a photographic memory of harp styles, making him one of the most fluent players in upstate New York. Best title of 1991 is [his] "Check Up From the Neck Up."Syracuse New Times"…one-two punch of sinewy guitar and killer harp…clearly they have absorbed the form and honed their chops."Goldmine"I want to take that harp player on the road."Henry Gray (legendary blues pianist)"…gritty, real blues."Binghamton The Music Press"Tom Townsley & the Backsliders are Syracuse favorites who tore it up, leaving the crowd remembering what they were here for: rockin,' downhome blues. Townsley left them with their jaws hanging after he displayed some of his harmonica talents."Blues Connection"Powerhouse harp player…infectious blend of swing, blues and boogie…Tom Townsley's playing sends cold chills up you spine and hot sparks through your soul."Wilkes-Barre Citizen's Voice"Gotta Jones' [is] a very hip track with convincing performances by L.T. Fitzsimmons on guitar and vocals and Tom Townsley on harp."Blues Revue"[Townsley's] "Too Much Blood In My Alcohol System" offers a welcome, humorous bent."Living Blues

Location Syracuse, NY - USA

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