Tom Foster Morris’ album, “All Those Years Ago” is country. From the opening flutter of mandolin on the title track there can be no arguing this point. In an era that sees the distinction between country music and other genres diminishing, this album reminds me of what country is and why I fell in love with it.
I don’t make comparison but must admit that as I listened to the album I couldn’t help but think of Kris Kristofferson, which is high praise coming from this author.
Mr. Morris has the uncanny ability to sing powerful, emotion filled lyrics while keeping the music of the song upbeat. This isn’t cry in your beer country but swing around the dance floor country instead. His lyrics are poetic and his voice conveys the feeling that he had when he wrote his songs.
While he does sing about heartbreak, kind of a requisite when it comes to country music, I come away from listening to this album feeling upbeat. The title track deals with love lost and regained and Baby Blue Eyes, which is my personal favorite from the album, is a beautiful love song.
Mr. Morris also masterfully incorporates the environment around him. As a fellow New Mexican I love hearing references to the Rio Grande and our Native American neighbors. If you grew up worshiping at the alters of Waylon and Merle, Hank and Jerry Jeff, you owe it to yourself to get this album. Just put it in, push repeat all, and thank me in an hour or 10!
Jeffory Parsons
DJ Zia Country Radio 99.5 FM
Las Cruces, NM 09-05-2015
“ We really loved your songs Tom! Made us want to sing along! Keep up the great work. Cheers, DPB ”
- Dina Preston Band "Ambassadors of Goodwill", ReverbNation
"Clays Country Radio is proud to present this years ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR to Tom Foster Morris. Congratulations Tom we are proud to have you represent us with this 2016 Award"
— Clay Pierce-Clay's Country Radio, Clay's Country Radio, Aug 30, 2016
*All Those Years Ago Review*
“The result is a tour-de-force of hard-living lyrics and back-to-basics instrumentation that harkens back to the days when cowboys were king and the troubadours among them ruled the music charts. Songs about rekindled love (“All Those Years Ago”), easy Southwestern living (“Along the Rio Grande” and “Angel In The Morning”) and unforgotten friendships (“Comanche Moon”) are offset by heartbreakers (“Let Me Down Easy” and “Shame On You”), introspective ruminations (“Baby Blue Eyes” and “Bad Luck And Trouble”) and life lessons (“For What It’s Worth” and “Just Another Heartache”). There’s even a train song, “Waiting on a Train,” for purists.”
- David Slacedo,
Las Cruces Bulletin (Aug 16, 2013)
“ Lovin the sound of the new CD, Tom. This is the way good country music is supposed to sound. Some fantastic lyric writing here and definately the sort of country that i like. Great songs and particularly like Just Another Heartache. ”
- Doug Dickens, ReverbNation Singer/Songwriter
“ loved the songs Tom!! really great tune in "all those years.." especially with the mandolin work, and really love that climbing chord progression for "along the rio grande", what a fantastic, graceful sway of a song! You got a new Limey fan my friend!! ”
- MikeWhitePresents, ReverbNation
****AWARDS****
