Audio Rumble

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers - CNN Showbiz Today

2012-01-31T23:41:00.000-06:00

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers interviewed on CNN's Showbiz today in 1990.

Space Cowboy (Live) - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers

2012-01-30T20:39:00.000-06:00

Space Cowboy (Live) - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers. Year unknown....but definitely THE 80's!

In the Pocket Concert | New Hope, PA - January 27, 2012

2012-01-29T18:01:00.004-06:00

DJ Caterina just hopped off a plane and back into Dallas from a whirlwind trip to Philadelphia/New Hope to watch the In the Pocket* band perform Friday night at the 2012 Winter Festival concert. Master of ceremonies Pierre Robert oversaw the festivities. The first set belonged to John Danaher's The Quiet Men, a local Irish-type folk band who performed their versions of Tom Petty's Breakdown and Blind Faith's Can't Find My Way Home, in addition to their own original music and traditional folk tunes.

David Uosikkinen from the Hooters with special guests...

Richard Bush - The A's / The Peace Creeps
Tommy Conwell - Tommy Conwell & The Young Rumblers
Jay Davidson - Steve Winwood / Funk Brothers
Rob Hyman - The Hooters
Charlie Ingui - Soul Survivors
Cliff Hillis - IKE
John Lilley - The Hooters
TJ Tindall - Legendary Gamble & Huff guitarist/ Bonnie Raitt / Robert Palmer / Four Tops
William Wittman - Cyndy Lauper / Too Much Joy

It was a great show - Tommy's set was rockin' - yes, he always entertains!

Concert set list:

- Soon You'll Be Gone
- Hitch Hike
- Tell Daddy
- Open My Eyes
- Hey Little Girl
- All My Mondays
- Suffragette City
- Woman
- Can't Sit Down
- Workout
- Everything They Say Is True

- Walkin' on the Water

- I'm Not Your Man

- Expressway
Encore
- Eddie Van Hamster
- Beat Up Guitar

* IN THE POCKET: THE ESSENTIAL SONGS OF PHILADELPHIA is the brainchild of The Hooters' David Uosikkinen. With his revolving band of celebrated Philadelphia musicians, Uosikkinen pays homage to his essential songs of Philadelphia by rerecording songs that were recorded, written or performed by Philadelphians, and were inspirational to him growing up in and around the city. The songs are released online only at songsinthepocket.org, where a video documentary of each song can also be viewed.

If We Never Meet Again - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers (1989)

2012-01-22T16:05:00.000-06:00

For the Conwell faithful, one of the best episodes of Late Night with David Letterman aired on Wednesday, January 4, 1989.

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers (Rob Miller, Chris Day) perform a shortened version of If We Never Meet Again. Includes a brief interview with Tommy and Dave at the end.

Guests: Kevin Kline, Marv Albert
Musical Guest: Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers

I'm Not Your Man - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers (1988)

2012-01-19T00:15:00.000-06:00

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers - Live on MTV's Mouth to Mouth, 1988. Performing I'm Not Your Man.

Million Pretty Girls | Dig The Possibilities - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers 1986

2012-01-15T16:58:00.002-06:00

A live television simulcast on PRISM and WMMR from Veterans Stadium on Labor Day, 1986. Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform Million Pretty Girls and Dig the Possibilities.

Check Tommy out at 1:10 - "Veteran Stadium, let's rock and roll!"

Dig the Possiblities - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers (1986)

2012-01-11T00:14:00.002-06:00

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers, recorded live at the Empire Rock Club, Philadelphia, December 19, 1986, performing 'Dig the Possibilities' -- an original TCYR song?

Reelin' and Rockin' - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers (1988)

2012-01-08T13:57:00.001-06:00

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers recorded live at the Bottom Line in NYC, 1988. Performing Chuck Berry's Reelin' and Rockin'.

Interview with Tommy Conwell on PRISM - 1986

2012-01-07T16:16:00.001-06:00

Interview with Tommy Conwell in 1986. Aired before Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers go onstage at Veteran's Stadium in Philadelphia for the PRISM 10th Anniversary Bash. Simulcast live on PRISM and WMMR. (Tommy cites some of his musical influences - Charlie Parker, Jimmie Vaughan.)

I Knew the Bride - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers (1986)

2012-01-05T21:56:00.001-06:00

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers recorded live at the Empire Rock Club, Philadelphia, USA on December 19, 1986. Performing Nick Lowe's I Knew the Bride.

Audio Rumble Facebook Fan Page

2012-01-01T16:49:00.001-06:00

It's a work in progress! Visit the new Facebook Fan Page for Audio Rumble!

The page features images previously posted on the Audio Rumble blog, as well as a YouTube tab for direct access to performances, interviews and more!

Thanks to the fans for making Audio Rumble your site for the digital curation of Tommy Conwell music, images, news and beyond!

Interviews 1987 | Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers

2011-12-31T12:52:00.000-06:00

Interviews from 1987, including a brief interview with WMMR's Pierre Robert and the Young Rumblers.

Downtown Train - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers (1986)

2011-12-29T08:06:00.001-06:00

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers recorded live at the Empire Rock Club, Philadelphia, USA on December 19, 1986. Performing Tom Waits' Downtown Train.

White Christmas - Beru Revue with Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers

2011-12-24T11:36:00.008-06:00

A live cover version of the seasonal classic White Christmas by Beru Revue and Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers - the 80's!

Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings - Run Rudolph Run

2011-12-07T12:25:00.006-06:00

Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings performance of Run Rudolph Run, live at The Stone Pony - from the 90's! Audio only.

Update: Don't call it a comeback! Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings have been on my iPod for years - performing December 17.
Philadelphia local events and things to do in Philadelphia, PA | Eventsburgh | Tommy Conwell and the Lil Kings .... THE COMEBACK!

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers Live (1989)

2011-12-06T21:29:00.002-06:00

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform at the Pennsylvania State Fair, in Bensalem, PA, Memorial Day 1989. The band opens up the concert with an instrumental version of Workout, followed by a performance of Million Pretty Girls. Watch 'em work that crowd!

Going Back to Philly

2011-11-11T22:27:00.001-06:00

Look out! A brief clip of Tommy Conwell performing Going Back to Philly on Sound Cloud. Tommy also performed this song live on the second to the last night of WYSP's Loud and Local in August.

Going Back To Philly - demo teaser by Clutch Cargo

Tommy Conwell demo teaser - 2011.

All instruments by Tom Conwell.

Recorded at Geo Sound Studio in Philadelphia.

www.GeoSound.org

Visit Tommy online at:

http://www.tommyconwellstore.com/fr_home.cfm

Engineered and mixed by George Manney.

Live at Blockley Pourhouse 2011

2011-11-06T21:35:00.003-06:00

This weekend, DJ Caterina trekked 1,462.7 miles from Dallas to Philadelphia to see Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform the last of an epic two nights at The Blockley Pourhouse, Nov. 4 and 5.

Nov. 4 - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers and The Peace Creeps (Richard Bush of The A's).

Nov. 5 - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers and Smash Palace.

Gems included on Saturday night's set list included a new song - "just for the fans" - Whatever This Crowd Wants, a couple of songs performed by guitarist Chris Day and the never-recorded but legendary fan fave, Demolition Derby. The performance also included covers; Time Has Come Today and Back in the USA.

Brief concert clips below of Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers at the Blockley Pourhouse on Nov. 5, 2011.

It's On This Weekend!

2011-11-01T00:14:00.004-05:00

Text courtesy of Benchmark:

The Blockley invites you to Turn Back the Clock!
Tommy Conwell & the Young Rumblers return to the old Chestnut Cabaret on Friday November 4th, and Saturday, November 5th, for a very special 2-night reunion run.

Tommy and the Rumblers rocked The Blockley last November to a sold out audience - their first Philly headline play in nearly 15 years!

Complete with old friends Richard Bush and Smash Palace; dinner seating; and a VIP meet and greet with Tommy and the boys; it promises to be an epic weekend of music!

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers Present Two Nights at the Blockley

2011-10-02T12:45:00.001-05:00

Tickets still available for Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers playing the Blockley Pourhouse for two nights in November. That's right!

An announcement from Tommy Conwell via e-mail from tommyconwellstore.com.

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers

Friday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5, 2011

Blockley Pourhouse

3801 Chestnut St.

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Buy Tickets

Hey, you guys! We're doing it again, only this time we're doing 2 nights. We're gonna beef up the sound system a little bit, and maybe (MAYBE!) whip out some unrecorded oldies. Richard Bush from the A's is opening the first night with his band The Peace Creeps, and Smash Palace is opening the second night! Pretty good openers, huh? Tix are $25, but if you come both nights it's $40 total, and the band is gonna have a little get together with the combo ticket holders, who also are gonna get a signed poster, which hopefully will be pretty cool. I hope I didn't get anything wrong here, but the main thing is... it's going to ROCK!

Cheers,

Tommy

Tommy also made the special announcement during a WYSP Alumni guest spot on August 30. Hear the entire segment on the WYSP website.

Walkin' On the Water Radio Interview, 1986 - Tommy Conwell, Paul Slivka

2011-06-25T17:44:00.003-05:00

A December 1986 interview with Tommy Conwell and Paul Slivka on 93.7 WSTX-FM with Bob Bowersox.

Tommy and Paul discuss the new release of the Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers first independent album on Antenna Records, Walkin’ On the Water. Tommy also talks about the first Young Rumblers gig at University of Delaware in Newark - Skid Row Beach Party, Feb. 24, 1984.

The band also talks about the addition of two new members: Chris Day and Rob Miller. They also talk about Walkin' On the Water's record producer, Andy King, bass player for The Hooters.

You can purchase the Walkin' on the Water CD at the Tommy Conwell Store.

Let Me Love You, Too

2011-06-12T13:51:00.002-05:00

The following is an excerpt from an article originally found on www.mpprojects.com/tc.

Guitarist/songwriter - Javier Hernández Boni - accidentally stumbled across Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumbler's Guitar Trouble in the early 1990’s and subsequently took the music to Let Me Love You Too and recorded Por Que No? for his first solo record. Sounds pretty vanilla, except for the fact that Boni is from Spain and is a guitarist for one of Europe ’s biggest classic rock bands. Read this transcontinental story prepared by Mario Martin, manager of Barricada.

Javier Hernández Boni is the rhythm guitarist and 50% singer of Barricada, a Spanish rock and roll band that has been together since 1982. Boni is a shy guy, seems quiet and calm. Everything changes when he is playing live; when he becomes a savage guitar player! Boni’s guitar influences include Rory Gallagher, Slade, Sisters of Mercy, The Recovers, Sex Pistols, and The Clash.

In 1992, Boni went into the studio to record Peligroso Animal de Compañía [translation: Dangerous Pet], being helped by a couple of friends and his brother playing drums, as well as two Barricada band members. This was a personal experience for Boni, to play with close friends and his brother.

Boni wrote all the lyrics on Dangerous Pet, but two of them: The first, written by Barricada´s other lead singer, Enrique Villarreal, and a second song, based on a song written and performed by Tommy Conwell, Let Me Love You Too.

For some reason, Boni seemed to like that song so much and chose it for his very first solo album. (The song was actually discovered by Boni’s brother.) Today, it is very common for Spanish recording artists to record cover versions of very popular songs. Boni decided to take the risk of recording a cover version of a song not known at all in Spain. So, he took the music and a few parts of the lyric and recorded Por Que No? (translation: "Why Now?”).

His record, Dangerous Pet, was a personal success; he never toured for the album because his drummer/brother had an accident and broke a hand. Boni’s dream was to record a solo album, and if it wasn’t possible to play with his brother, he didn’t mind not touring. His success was to record it. Nowadays, Boni still records and plays with Barricada, harder and louder than never!

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers Live (1989)

2011-06-05T00:52:00.002-05:00

Videos of Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers performing "Gonna Breakdown and "Workout" at the Pennsylvania State Fair, in Bensalem, PA, Memorial Day, 1989.

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers On Japanese TV

2011-05-07T12:54:00.003-05:00

This is epic! Two performances from Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers promoting "Rumble" on Japanese TV - "Love's On Fire" and "I'm Not Your Man" - plus interview with Japanese translators!

Thanks to our friend Yuki [@y2joohgal on Twitter] in Osaka, Japan for the videos.

New Video from In the Pocket - "You Can't Sit Down"

2011-04-07T00:30:00.013-05:00

New video from In the Pocket: "You Can't Sit Down" featuring Jerry Blavat, members of @thehooters, Tommy Conwell and more at songsinthepocket.org. A portion of the proceeds benefits Settlement Music School.

Wow. The 80's. When DJ Caterina discovered the music of the Hooters as a youngster in Texas. And the Hooters introduced DJ Caterina to Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers. Worlds collide!
Check out the video for the making of You Can't Sit Down and be sure to purchase the song on iTunes or Amazon!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Courtesy of In The Pocket: Songs of Philadelphia

Featuring
David Uosikkinen - The Hooters - drums
With
Graham Alexander - Cast of 'Rain' on Broadway - bass
Eric Bazilian - The Hooters - guitar/vocals
Tommy Conwell - Tommy Conwell & the Young Rumblers - lead vocals/guitar
Jay Davidson - Steve Winwood, The Funk Brothers - sax/vocals
Rob Hyman - The Hooters - keyboards/vocals
And a special appearance by Jerry Blavat!

"The Dovells had a signature Philly sound. I remember hearing You Can't Sit Down as a kid and thought it rocked," explains Uosikkinen. "When it came time to record it for In The Pocket, I knew the only guy who could pull this off with total command was Tommy Conwell. And he does not disappoint!"

Celebrate the release of IN THE POCKET's new single, "You Can't Sit Down " with a rockin' party and an all-star Philly jam at WORLD CAFE LIVE on Tuesday, April 12th at 7pm.

To purchase tickets go to:
http://tickets.worldcafelive.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=3883

The jam at World Cafe Live includes players from all three songs, All My Mondays, Open My Eyes, and You Can't Sit Down. The band includes David Uosikkinen, Graham Alexander, Eric Bazilian, Richard Bush, Tommy Conwell, Jay Davidson, Greg Davis, Rick DiFonzo, Jeffrey Gaines, Cliff Hillis and Rob Hyman. Plus, a special appearance by Jerry Blavat, the heart and soul of Philadelphia's music scene for over 50 years.

And perhaps a few surprises!

"You Can't Sit Down" with Tommy Conwell, Hooters

2011-03-09T23:59:00.017-06:00

Courtesy of the Philadelphia Enquirer:
Author: Michael Klein [3/6/2011]

Friday afternoon saw a gathering of Hooters and other rock-and-rollers at Elm Street Studio in Conshohocken to remake the Dovells' hit "You Can't Sit Down." Standing up for the creative process were Eric Bazilian, Graham Alexander (who plays Paul McCartney in Rain on Broadway), Rob Hyman, Tommy Conwell, David Uosikkinen, Jay Davidson, and Jerry Blavat (characteristically ad-libbing). The single, part of Uosikkinen's project known as In the Pocket: Essential Songs of Philadelphia, will be available for downloading next month at songsinthepocket.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Settlement Music Schools.

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform "Back in the USA" - 1989

2011-02-07T07:09:00.002-06:00

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform cover of Chuck Berry's "Back in the USA" at the Pennsylvania State Fair, in Bensalem, PA, Memorial Day 1989.

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform "Rock With You" - 1989

2011-02-06T00:02:00.002-06:00

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform "Rock With You" live at the Pennsylvania State Fair in Bensalem, PA, Memorial Day, 1989. The Young Rumblers are: Paul Slivka, Jim Hannum, Chris Day and Rob Miller.
"Rock With You" is a track from "Guitar Trouble" - released in 1990.

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers on iTunes

2011-01-20T00:33:00.010-06:00

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers. Now on iTunes! At long last!
Also, don't forget that you can still purchase music and other great items at the Tommy Conwell Store...

PRISM 10th Anniversary Birthday Bash in 1986

2010-12-29T06:00:00.001-06:00

New today on YouTube is video of a live television simulcast on PRISM and WMMR from Veterans Stadium on Labor Day, 1986. It's PRISM's 10th Anniversary Birthday Bash! Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers -- notice the graphic that says Tommy Conwell's Young Rumblers? -- perform Workout.

Thanks again to Joe Reynolds for all your hard work!

2010-12-21T16:04:00.000-06:00

Tommy Conwell's "Christmas Is Here" got a Philebrity post mention yesterday. Hey Philebrity -- thanks for the props!

Christmas is Here - Tommy Conwell

2010-12-15T23:40:00.001-06:00

One of DJ Caterina's favorite Christmas songs is Christmas Is Here by Tommy Conwell. Audio is interspersed with concert footage clips of Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers in 1986 at Veteran's Stadium in Philadelphia.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Tommy Conwell at Walsh's Tavern - 1994

2010-12-09T00:21:00.001-06:00

Tommy Conwell. On guitar. And a band. At Walsh's Tavern. In the town that rocked the nation, Philadelphia, PA...vids courtesy of DocKunkle.

Scotland the Brave

Walkin' Shoe

2010-12-08T00:49:00.002-06:00

Setlist from Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers performance at The Blockley Pourhouse, Nov. 6, 2010. Image courtesy of Tommy Conwell & the Young Rumblers - Fans Remember When page on Facebook.

Tonight's the Night
Everything They Say is True
Here I Come
Love's On Fire
I'm Home
Guitar Trouble
Million Pretty GIrls
Workout
17
Do You Still Believe In Me
Gonna Breakdown
I Wanna Be Loved
If We Never Meet Again
Rock With You
Goin' On Down Here
Walkin' on the Water
I'm Not Your Man
Rumble
Hand of Fate
Time Has Come
Walkin' By Myself
Space Cowboy
Livin' in the USA

Buzz Zeemer and Cheap Trick - Downed

2010-12-04T02:09:00.002-06:00

Project: Comparing two epic live performances of Cheap Trick's Downed.

The first is Buzz Zeemer's live concert performance of Downed at Theatre of the Living Arts in Philadelphia in 1996.

See the performance:

Downed is a cover of the Cheap Trick single from their second studio album in 1977, In Color and can also be found on Cheap Trick's famous Live at Budokan album.

Cheap Trick performs Downed live in 1980.

See the performance:

2010-11-28T22:34:00.000-06:00

Interview with Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian of The Hooters in 1986.

Right before Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers go onstage at Veteran's Stadium in Philadelphia for the PRISM 10th Anniversary Bash. Simulcast live on PRISM and WMMR.

Tommy Conwell's WYSP Acoustic Performance

2010-11-06T13:38:00.009-05:00

So you can't get into tonight's sold out Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers show in Philly? Well, here's your consolation prize...

Download Tommy Conwell acoustic songs from his appearance on WYSP's Loud and Local!

2010-10-31T21:39:00.018-05:00

Less than a week away before Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform at The Blockley on Saturday, November 6. Are you ready, Philly?!

- Get your tickets here!

- New concert footage of Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers at Veteran's Stadium - the 80's!

- Check out Cyndy Drue's blog about this Saturday's TCYR reunion show.
- Thanks again to Spike at Philadelphia's WYSP for another great acoustic radio jam session with Tommy Conwell this evening.

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers Return to Philadelphia!

2010-09-16T23:26:00.005-05:00

You wanted them in Philly - and now you got 'em in Philly!

An announcement from Tommy Conwell via e-mail from tommyconwellstore.com.

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers Return to Philadelphia!

When: November 6, 2010
Where: The Blockley Pourhouse
(site of the old Chestnut Cabaret)
38th and Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215.222.1234

Hey, you guys! This is a big one for us. First time headlining in the Philly city limits since the early 90's, and at the old Chestnut Cabaret, where we had so many special shows back in the 80's. Tommy, Chris, Rob, Jim, and Paul. Ned and the guys at the Blockley are real into it, and the venue is real cool and nice. Tickets are only 18 bucks in advance. Come rock with the Rumblers on November 6!

See you then,
Tommy

BUY TICKETS HERE

2010-09-04T11:31:00.002-05:00

Three mini-clip concert performances from Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers on YouTube. Thanks reyjoe1986 for your hard work -- it is much appreciated. :-) Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Cruisin' Slow - Penn State 1989

It's Your Life - Veteran's Stadium

Tonight's the Night - Spectrum

2010-08-26T17:06:00.002-05:00

Finally! Concert footage from the Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers concert live at the Bay Center in Dewey Beach, Delaware. Thanks racedad881 and stoneballoonwh for the videos!

- I’m Not Your Man
- Gonna Breakdown
- Rumble
- Do You Still Believe In Me

2010-08-10T23:26:00.005-05:00

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers are bringing an 80's reunion of the original 'Rumble' line-up: Tommy, Rob, Chris, Paul, and Jim. The last time that the DJ Caterina caught a Young Rumblers reunion show was an epic night! The crowd was so awesome that Tommy said we kicked his ass! Yeah, we did!

When: Sat., Aug. 21, 2010
Where: The Bay Center at Ruddertowne, Dewey Beach, DE
Price: $20

Visit the Tommy Conwell Store for more details!

Tommy Conwell Sings the National Anthem 2010

2010-07-17T10:01:00.008-05:00

Tommy Conwell will sing the National Anthem when the Philadelphia Phillies play the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday, July 29, 2010.

The game starts at 7:05 p.m. -- it's 80's retro night!

Follow-up: Thanks to Megan Woodruff Conwell for posting Tommy singing the National Anthem!

"No Depression" Buzz Zeemer Article - 1999

2010-06-26T13:12:00.008-05:00

The following is an overheard exchange between DJ Caterina and co-worker this past week.

Co-worker: So, what kind of music do you listen to again?
DJ Caterina: Well, when it comes to music, I just love me some Philly. Y'know, that late '80's stuff from Tommy Conwell, the Hooters, Flight of Mavis. It's all Daryl Hall's fault. Even these days, I just can't get enough of his show, 'Live from Daryl's House" -- it's sweet!

Co-worker: Uh...yeah. Hooters? I thought you didn't like that restaurant? Hey, some friends and I were going to go see the Celtic Thunder concert in the fall. Up for it?
DJ Caterina: Geez, Celtic Thunder. That music and performance has about as much to do with Ireland as McDonald's does to fine dining. Nah, I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to see Frank Brown perform at The Grape Street Pub -- oh, I mean, The Grape Room -- in Philly on a Tuesday night without losing at least three working days.
Co-worker: Hmmm...OK. Right. (steps away slowly)
DJ Caterina: No, seriously! My time on the weekend is so spent. I still have at least two PRISM concert performances to post from Buzz Zeemer on YouTube. But since I won't have that much time this weekend, I'll post a July-August No Depression 1999 Buzz Zeemer Article written by Phil Sheridan...hey, where did everybody go?

Tommy Conwell Set List, Summer Solstice

2010-06-20T11:26:00.005-05:00

Set list from last night's Tommy Conwell concert at the Summer Solstice Celebration at the Kimmel Center's Verizon Hall in Philadelphia. (Thanks, Joe!)

Here I Come
Everything They Say Is True
Tonight's The Night
I'm Home
Goin' Back to Philly
Love's on Fire
Guitar Trouble
Goin' On Down Here
Do You Still Believe In Me
I'm Seventeen
Million Pretty Girls
Workout
Walkin' on The Water
I'm Not Your Man
Alabama Jubilee (Jerry Reed cover)
You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet (Bachman Turner Overdrive cover)
I Want To Walk You Home (Fats Domino cover)

2010-06-10T21:58:00.003-05:00

Per e-mail to his fans today, a message from Tommy Conwell:

Hi, you guys. I started a new band that's gonna play all my songs from the 80's. No blues, no jazz, no country, no 50's, no punk rock--I swear! Tommy Conwell songs from the Young Rumblers days, that's it. I've got Joe Gallo on guitar, Brian Falcone on bass, and Jimmy McCloskey on drums, and we rock. We're playing the Kimmel Center's Summer Solstice festival, in the main room, on June 19th at 11:15 P.M. We're pretty excited about it. Tickets are $10, and you can buy them at the door or at www.kimmelcenter.org. We'd love to see you there! Tommy

Amazing announcement! Yes, the 80's really ARE back!

Connect with the Facebook event page for updates and RSVP!
Visit Tommy's store and get re-acquainted with some original Rumblers tunes.

Tommy Conwell Interview on WMMR - 1996

2010-06-01T11:44:00.006-05:00

Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings were rockin’ in that late 90’s-era of swing music that also featured Bryan Setzer and his 17-piece big swingin’ band and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy featured in the movie, “Swingers.” Vegas, baby!

This interview with Tommy Conwell is the 2nd to the last episode of Cyndy Drue’s Street Beat, a Philly radio standard from 1986-1996 on WMMR.

And what does Tommy discuss? Buzz Zeemer, the end of the Young Rumblers, thoughts on his talent for songwriting (he says he's not a songwriter - whatever, Tommy!) and Frank Brown's greatness, the MCA record that was never released. Except that it was - eventually. (See Thanks But No Thanks at the Tommy Conwell store.)

Songs featured during this interview (but not included in this clip are):

Smarty Pants – Hi Ho Silver! – Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings
Break My Heart – PlayThing – Buzz Zeemer
Love’s On Fire – Walkin’ on the Water EP – Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers

Tommy Conwell and Conan O'Brien

2010-05-22T10:52:00.004-05:00

Conwell and Coco!

Audio Rumble unveils a way-too-cool image of Tommy playing a Fender Strat (notice that it's a Conan O'Brien cartoon head on the body) with Brian Setzer and Conan O'Brien himself listenin' in. Not a recent image, but still great to see! Courtesy of the Fender Community Forum on Fender's website.

2009-12-22T21:35:00.000-06:00

Enjoy your holiday season and listen to "Kinda Christmasy" by Tommy Conwell, a music video by George Manney. Cool!

Psychedelic Santa - Buzz Zeemer

2009-11-24T10:05:00.006-06:00

Psychedelic Santa by Buzz Zeemer is from the CD "Season's Greetings Philadelphia." Other Buzz Zeemer tunes can also be found on iTunes.

Merry Christmas!

2009-10-25T17:56:00.007-05:00

Thanks for the memories, Philly Spectrum! After four sold-out Pearl Jam shows this week, the Spectrum will be no more.

Philadelphia Weekly has a brief interview with Tommy Conwell about his Spectrum Music Memories.

On playing the Spectrum for the first time : “The first time we played there as a legitimate opening act, we opened for Bryan Adams. I’ll never forget: We went on the stage and the lights went down and we just start our first song, and you could see all the people rushing in from the exits and you could see the silhouettes—it was like an ant farm or something—all moving down to their seats because the show had started and it was us. That was really like a wow moment.”  

Audio Rumble also remembers The Spectrum by showcasing Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers' breakthrough performance on live television. A performance on PRISM, Feb. 20, 1987, after the Philadelphia 76er's game:

Guitar Lessons from Tommy Conwell

2009-10-09T09:32:00.002-05:00

Get lessons from a real guitar hero! Now available at the Tommy Conwell Store website...

Guitar Lessons from Tommy Conwell!

Here's a message sent to all of us fans from Tommy below:

Hi. I've given guitar lessons here and there over the years, but I've never offered them for purchase online before, so this is kind of exciting for me. I'm starting with Monday and Thursday nights, but if you need another time, I may be able to accomodate you. I love teaching beginners to pros, and I specialize in teaching rock n rollers how to play jazz. Come see me, and let's rock.

Tommy

Tacony Free Concert

2009-09-09T20:30:00.003-05:00

Courtesy of nusound on YouTube.

→ Tommy talks about the legendary rock and roll club, JC Dobbs. (A George Manney Film.) From the documentary in production, Meet Me On South Street, The Story Of JC Dobbs. (Note: Removed from YouTube, 1-4-12)
→ Tommy caught live in Tacony for a Free Concert performing his hit, "I'm Not Your Man". (A George Manney film.)

2009-09-01T19:14:00.002-05:00

In concert! Tommy Conwell at the Final Tacony Summer Concert in NorthEast Philly!

When: Thursday, Sept. 3, 6:30pm – 9pm
Where: Disston Rec Center, Disston and Glenloch streets (MAP)

Food will be available for purchase. Just bring a lawn chair!

Headliner - Tommy Conwell (His hits and some oldies)
Opening Act - The Miffed (Hard rock sound)

Thanks to the Philadelphia Speaks forum for links to this information!

WMMR Radio Interview with Tommy Conwell - 1990

2009-08-05T19:11:00.001-05:00

Here comes Guitar Trouble!

A radio interview from 1990 -- it's Tommy Conwell on WMMR 93.3 on Street Beat with Cyndy Drue. Promoting the release of Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers' sophomore release, Guitar Trouble.

Listen to Part 1.
Listen to Part 2.

2009-07-25T09:38:00.004-05:00

Sadly, 25th year commemorative t-shirts are sold out at TommyConwellstore.com, but this is DJ Caterina's colorized version...enjoy!

Tommy Conwell, Berue Revue Photo

2009-06-23T09:25:00.003-05:00

Images of Tommy Conwell on Beru Revue Share at the 2nd Annual Beru Revue Miniature Golf Classic Invitational, Northeast Philadelphia in September 1985.

2009-06-12T15:18:00.006-05:00

Conwell and bassist Paul Slivka performing at Theatre of Living Arts in Philly, March 1989. Courtesy of News of Delaware County.

Tommy Conwell appearance on Sat., June 13, info courtesy of Philly Blurbs:

Haddon Lake Park, 13th Avenue, Park Drive and Prospect Boulevard, Haddon Heights, 856-216-2170. Saturday: Jersey Jam 4 MS (benefits Multiple Sclerosis) with Tommy Conwell, Carsie Blanton, Bo Rains and local singer-songwriters, 3 to 7 p.m., free.

Update: Reviews and images from this appearance can be found here.

2009-06-01T22:29:00.002-05:00

Check out this great Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers Google timeline.

2009-05-28T22:10:00.006-05:00

Ellipsis played the music of Ray Charles with Tommy Conwell on May 6. The Ellipsis website has posted images and mp3's of that night's performance.

It's like a mini-concert for your brain!

Tommy Conwell, vocals and guitar
John Stenger, wurlitzer
Paul Gehman, bass
Justin Leigh, drums

1. Bye Bye Love
2. Mary Ann
3. Just a Little Lovin'
4. Greenbacks
5. Half as Much
6. You Don't Know Me
7. Let the Good Times Roll
8. Roll With My Baby
9. Hallelujah I Love Her So
10. Hey Good Looking
11. Sinner's Prayer
12. Georgia on my Mind
13. Unchain My Heart
14. Mess Around
15. I Got a Woman
16. What'd I Say
Encore (with special guest Alexandra Day):
17. Hit the Road, Jack

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers on Facebook - from the fans!

2009-05-19T20:59:00.009-05:00

It's a Facebook fan page worth visiting...

Visit and share your memories on the "tommy conwell and the young rumblers - fans remember when...." page.

Hooray!

2009-05-04T22:41:00.005-05:00

Yo! What does DJ Caterina say?

On Wednesday, May 6, see Ellipsis with Tommy Conwell playing the music of Ray Charles.

Live at Tritone! 1509 South Street in Philadelphia...

Below is a clip of Tommy Conwell covering Ray Charles, courtesy of urbanluver1 at Photobucket.

I'm 17, Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers 1991

2009-04-23T00:27:00.007-05:00

"Hello Spring Breakers!"

Video of Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers performing I'm 17 on MTV, Spring Break performance in 1991. Cool. DJ Caterina sometimes wishes she were 17 again.

Nah, not really...cheers!

This video has been removed by YouTube.

2009-04-18T14:34:00.004-05:00

Tommy Conwell and the Swingin' Turkeynecks will perform April 24, 2009 at The Elbow Room in Roslyn, PA.

2009-04-17T13:33:00.005-05:00

Dames of PA is Pennyslvania's source for discovering great music and entertainment in the state, promoting music, arts and entertainment. Audio Rumble is listed as one of their favorite links!

DJ Caterina thanks Dames of PA for the shout-out!

Don't Hang Up - Buzz Zeemer

2009-03-20T14:12:00.005-05:00

DJ Caterina's absolute favorite Buzz Zeemer song from the CD Plaything is Don't Hang Up. The song is not featured on the band's 1996 Philadelphia Theatre of the Living Arts concert video.

To correct this rock 'n' roll wrong, DJ Caterina has created a video mash-up of BZ's TLA performance -- with audio of Don't Hang Up -- and posted it on YouTube.

2009-02-24T23:43:00.004-06:00

Enjoy hearing Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform "Sweet Home Chicago" live at The Bottom Line in New York City, Oct. 4, 1988. One of my favorite live and rockin' blues version of this song ever! (Audio version only.)

2009-02-18T07:47:00.003-06:00

Tommy Conwell shoots first video from News of Delaware County, July 20, 1988.

"This was the scene this past Monday at
Ardmore's 23 East as Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers shot their first video, "I'm Not Your Man," for Columbia Records. The band invited 200 fans to participate in the taping. The first Columbia album is due in early August...."

2009-02-13T21:04:00.010-06:00

DJ Caterina just purchased "Thanks But No Thanks," previously unreleased music from Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers:

Never released music by Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers - Originally titled Neuroticus Maximus, recorded at A&M Studio in Los Angeles and produced by Ed Stasium (Ramones, Smithereens, Soul Asylum) in 1992, this album has never seen the light of day until now...
- Tommy Conwell Store

Around 1992 The Young Rumblers made an album that MCA paid for, but never put out. It's a good recording, was a little different for us at the time, and is pretty good, I think. I don't like the original title, so I renamed it Thanks But No Thanks. It's available now for the first time ever at tommyconwellstore.com. I hope you like it."
- Tommy Conwell, 2009

DJ Caterina has heard Neuroticus Maximus many times, both the original and the demos. Favorite track is "Up Around The Way" - dig the opening guitar riff and the lyrics "it's what you are not who you know."

Purchase Thanks But No Thanks today!

Tracks:
1. Up Around The Way
2. More Than This
3. Punktuality
4. Terrified
5. I Wanted You
6. I Wish
7. The Devil's Touch
8. I Like You
9. You've Given Up

2009-02-04T07:46:00.002-06:00

Million Pretty Girls!

2009-02-01T10:38:00.004-06:00

Online review of Guitar Trouble.

Sony tapped longtime Dwight Yoakam producer Pete Anderson to helm Tommy Conwell & the Young Rumblers' sophomore LP Guitar Trouble, outsourcing the majority of songwriting duties as well. The end result is a corporate roots rock record with none of the cheeky bar band charm of Conwell's debut effort, Rumble, spelling the swift end of the group's major-label tenure. The album seems slapped together from spare parts; the youthful nihilism of Conwell's self-penned "I'm Seventeen" is completely at odds with Anderson's slick adult alternative production, which adds Bruce Hornsby's elegant piano to further distort the song's intent, while entries like "Rock with You" and the title cut are distressingly mundane, scrubbed clean of all their grit and passion. Guitar Trouble is frustrating proof that not only can you take the band out the bar, but you can take the bar out of the band as well. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide

2009-01-11T19:30:00.004-06:00

Images of Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings at Grape Street in 1995, courtesy of Billy Kerns, playing bass in the background. (And Darryl Ray, too!)

See a Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings performance on YouTube, performing "I'm Not Your Man" live at the Chameleon in Lancaster, PA 1997.

2009-01-08T23:47:00.004-06:00

Buzz Zeemer performs a cover of Cheap Trick's "Downed" live at Theatre of the Living Arts in Philadelphia, 1996.

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers: Walkin' On the Water [1987]

2009-01-07T19:22:00.009-06:00

News article from The Gloucester County Times Advertiser, Wednesday, January 14, 1987.

[By Gerard Shields, Staff Writer]

PHILADELPHIA - The rock music scene in Philadelphia has achieved national acclaim thanks to the Hooters, who have become a favorite on MTV and radio stations throughout the country.

Other Philly acts have also received radio attention over the past six years; bands like Robert Hazard and the Heroes and the now-defunct A’s.

But the excitement in Philadelphia is now at it peak with the debut album by one of its youngest bands, Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers.

Conwell and the Rumblers have been a premiere Delaware Valley club band over the last two years, largely thanks to their kick-it-out live performances that leave audiences yearning for more.

Fans who want to take Conwell’s streetwise blues home with them need wait no more. “Walkin’ on the Water,” the band’s first album, is a combination of their trademark, high-powered blues and a new, more mature and controlled Conwell – a side some avid fans may have a hard time getting used to.

Conwell built his reputation with fast-and-wild blues guitar and raw vocals that prompted some critics to compare the band to George Thorogood and the Destroyers. But the Rumblers have gone one step further on “Walkin’ on the Water,” incorporating another guitar and supporting keyboards – an instrument that had been foreign to the group.

The line-up in now Conwell on guitar, Paul Slivka on bass, and Jim Hannum on drums, fleshed out be Chris Day on guitar and Rob Miller (a former member of both the Hooters and Hazard’s Heroes) on keyboards.

In a recent interview, Conwell acknowledged that creating a bigger band was his idea.

“That was really me,” said the Bala Cynwyd, Pa. native. “I did it because I want to be a band. I want to have the big sound.”

Conwell built a following from the ground up. He started in Newark, Del., where he was a member of various punk bands while attending the University of Delaware as an English major.

But his main love was jazz. Conwell spent many Saturday nights in jazz clubs watching bands like the Danny Mento Orchestra at the Cherry Hill Holiday Inn.

“To me, blues was a link between jazz and rock and roll,” he said. “I like rock, but I couldn’t see myself doing it.”

Conwell borrowed $1,000 to get the Young Rumblers started in 1984. The band originally consisted of drummer Brad Fish and bassist Chaz Molins. After buying a truck for $500 and a mixer for $200, the band paved its way to local popularity with Conwell’s simple formula for success.

“It’s so basic,” Conwell said. “When you go to a club, you have to be good enough so that those people want to come back and see you again and the club wants to hire you back again, so that the next time you play the club, there will be more people.” “It’s as simple as that, and that’s the one thing we could always do,” he said.

Conwell’s independent attitude was also the fuel for the new album, which was released on Antenna Records, the label that carried the Hooters to a national contract. The Rumblers also share the Hooters’ management company, Cornerstone.

Conwell said that the album was made with the money the band had saved over the last two years.

“No one gave us a cent and I’m really proud of that,” he said.

Although Conwell is confident that the new album can land him a contract with a major label, he is not concentrating on being successful, just making music.

“I consider the album a reward in that if it sold two copies it would still be a reward,” he said.

“Success is not a goal; success is a reward,” he added. “I want to make good music. I want to be the best that I can be.”

The album was co-produced by Andy King of the Hooters and contains a few songs co-written by Robert Hazard. The influence of the two is evident in a synthesized pop sound.

“Walkin’ on the Water” can be dissected into three parts – the new sound, the traditional rock and roll Conwell, and a fusion of the two.

Songs like “Love’s On Fire” and “I’m Home” are fresh Conwell, with straight-ahead rhythms, smooth guitar hooks and keyboard support that seems aimed at attracting radio play.

Conwell calls the songs his biggest departure. “They actually are pop songs, but I want to do that,” he said. “I want to do both. I want to do it all.”

Although some fans may frown upon the departure, the new songs add variety to Conwell’s powerful live appearances and showcase his lyrics, which – although not prolific – show promise.

“You’ve got to realize you’re dealing with different formats,” Conwell said. “Live, you can feel it…On the radio, if you make something too wild, too hectic, or too loose, it’s going to sound trashy.”

The album’s backbone, however, is the blues that made Conwell famous. “I’m Not Your Man,” the first single, has all the elements – a relentless rhythm, straight three-chord base and searing guitar riffs, with great background vocal support.

Likewise, “Tonight’s the Night” and “Million Pretty Girls” are all blues, with the keyboards taking a break. It’s guitar, guitar and more guitar, with rowdy lyrics that serve as the height of a Rumblers concert.

“I’m really glad we put that stuff on the record,” Conwell said. “I’m proud to be a blues man.”

Two of the best tracks on the LP combine the new and the old. “Do You Still Believe in Me” is an excellent ballad with a haunting guitar intro. The song allows Conwell’s lyrics to shine, with lines like “If my grave’s got to be dug/I’ll dig it myself.”

Although Conwell’s voice is raw, he sings with a sincere snarl that makes you stand up and listen. The album is a gift for Rumblers rooters, but Conwell adds that the songs are a little more controlled that the band’s live show.

2008-12-30T23:10:00.003-06:00

"…one of the great guitarists in America, Philadelphia’s own Tommy Conwell…"

2008-12-19T11:10:00.002-06:00

More great (yet all-too-brief) clips from the Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers Thanksgiving concert at The Electric Factory! Courtesy of TsarinaLisa at YouTube.

- "I'm Home"
- "Everything They Say Is True"
- "Love's On Fire"

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers Magazine Cover - 1987

2008-12-18T22:20:00.001-06:00

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers on the cover of Fine Times Magazine, January 1987.

More images from the story...

2008-12-18T09:05:00.002-06:00

Visit the Official Tommy Conwell Site -- The Tommy Conwell Store! Just in time for the holiday season -- guaranteed Christmas delivery on orders received on or before Friday, Dec. 19. Don't delay!

Pictured above is a Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers "45 RPM single cover for Love's On Fire; b-side is Tell Me What You Want Me To Be. Purchased from Holland.

2008-12-05T22:36:00.008-06:00

DJ Caterina saw the first performance of her favorite band, Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers, performing "Love's On Fire" at the 1989 American Music Awards on ABC television.

Good times!

2008-12-04T19:57:00.003-06:00

It's the Tommy Conwell Store! Featuring "Walking On the Water" CD's and TCYR t-shirts for sale. Also, a link to Tommy's music concert calendar!

2008-11-28T13:55:00.008-06:00

Reviews for Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers' opening act gig at The Electric Factory on Thanksgiving Eve have been coming in -- DJ Caterina has graciously received the following highlights:

- Jim C. said, "Tommy was great! He really looked happy to be playing in front of a Philly crowd again! He sold his first release "Walkin' on the Water" on CD for the first time and autographed them. He played every song from that release except “Million Pretty Girls” (which bummed me out a little because it’s a great tune!). …Chris Day was jamming pretty good, and Paul, Rob, and Jim played their usual solid parts in a great show!"

- Tommy M. at MySpace captured some great concert shots (including the great picture above) and made the statement: "Tommy thinks that the Young Rumblers oughta tour the world!"

- Smallest Mom Ever on MySpace: "Tommy was perfect--this was the best concert yet. i had so much fun. they rocked the house!"

- (Note: These videos have been set to private.) See some brief clips from the concert: Love's On Fire, I'm Home and I'm Not Your Man. Courtesy of teachrMom on YouTube.

- Mark Tassoni Photography has some great images, too!

DJ Caterina stayed in Dallas for Thanksgiving weekend with her parents and future husband. Selfish, I know!

2008-11-24T20:05:00.008-06:00

"If We Never Meet Again" is written by Jules Shear and appears on Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers first national record release, Rumble.

In the book, "Songs Without Rhyme: Prose By Celebrated Songwriters," Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Rosanne Cash gathers a select group of songwriters and creates a unique volume of prose. Convinced that songwriting is a literary form unto itself and that those who dedicate their careers to this endeavor are unappreciated as writers, Cash asked 13 writers, including David Byrne, Paula Cole, Shawn Colvin, and Jules Shear, to join her in compiling this book. With the premise that songs are an accomplished form of storytelling, Cash requested that each author use one of his or her own songs, characters, or themes as the basis for a new prose piece.

Excerpts from the book: Jules Shear and "If We Never Meet Again."

(On the origins of the song from a movie script)

"...I felt like I knew the music part before I even wrote it. Before it escaped, I captured it on my Walkman, singing the only words I had. “If we never meet again/if goodbyes remain unspoken.” I sat on the floor of my apartment, stared out of the window at a tree on East 11^th Street, and tried to become this kid (in the script).

...A record producer whose taste I respected heard it and said, “I’d jump out of a plane holding onto just that song.” He wanted to record it with a newly signed act from Philadelphia with high hopes and lots of money behind it. I said sure."

…this song wasn’t meant to be the big song in a movie. It wasn’t destined to be a huge hit on the radio, either…Tommy Conwell from Philly [and others] would do a version of “If We Never Meet Again”…listened to intently by a small group who found their relationship to the song all the more special for its privacy.”

If We Never Meet Again Music Video - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers

2008-11-21T00:45:00.006-06:00

If We Never Meet Again by Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers. Written by Jules Shear.

2008-11-17T23:31:00.003-06:00

Tommy Conwell and Young Rumblers – MTV Walk On, 1988

An interview with Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers, featuring Chris Day and Rob Miller. Promotion for Rumble, 1988. With Adam Curry.

Tommy rocks every party - including the one happenin' at the Electric Factory next week!

2008-11-16T10:23:00.000-06:00

Get ready to party in "the - Town - that - Rocked - the - Nation - Philadelphia - PA!"

It's the concert of the year -- WMMR Gobblaroo 2008 featuring The Hooters with Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia.

Go to LiveNation.com and order your tickets. It’s gonna be a great show!

Get your party started early with some ‘old-school’ videos from The Hooters and Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers.

2008-11-05T23:38:00.005-06:00

An interview with Buzz Zeemer and Tommy Conwell. Conwell calls himself "Just another guitar player..."

Just another guitar player?

DJ Caterina doesn't think so...

2008-11-02T09:41:00.000-06:00

Magazine feature article on the release of 'Rumble' by Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers.

Cheers | Made In Philadelphia

A quick rundown of the fruits of various hometown labors, all either coming soon or available in finer stores everywhere:

Records

Rumble, the debut album of Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers, on Columbia Records. It's produced by Rick Chertoff and features collaborations with Robert Hazard and Eric Bazilian and Rob Hyman of The Hooters. Conwell says, "I'll miss Philadelphia when we tour the country this fall, because we're so deeply rooted here. There's no guarantee that we'll be playing larger places, but it'll be nice to come home."

2008-11-01T11:09:00.001-05:00

DJ Caterina was really rootin' for the Phillies in the World Series this year -- yes, even all the way from Dallas! So congrats, Phillies, for a fantastic win! To celebrate the victory, DJ Caterina is sharing a picture of Tommy Conwell singing our nation's National Anthem at a Philadelphia Little League game in 2006. Image courtesy of Dennis H.

2008-10-21T23:29:00.004-05:00

Promotional video of Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers aired before concert featured on local Philadelphia TV in 1987 at the Spectrum. Interviews with local Philly DJ Joe Bonadonna and Tommy Conwell. And there's even footage of The Hooters singing Day by Day!

2008-10-08T10:51:00.001-05:00

Tommy Conwell will perform Halloween night at The Elbow Room. 1352 Easton Road, Roslyn, PA. Concert poster courtesy of Tommy M. at MySpace.

2008-10-08T00:20:00.006-05:00

DJ Caterina appreciates the props from Philebrity on the posting of Buzz Zeemer's "Sometimes" to YouTube.

2008-10-03T22:19:00.004-05:00

Buzz Zeemer performs "Crush" live at Theatre of the Living Arts in Philadelphia, 1996. (Record Cellar)

Just who IS Buzz Zeemer again? Frank Brown on vocals, Tommy Conwell on guitar and vocals, Dave McElroy on bass and Ken Buono, drums.

2008-10-01T22:36:00.005-05:00

Update 06/16/10: Remix videos are no longer available on Photobucket....darn.

An awesome Tommy Conwell collection of images and video, courtesy of urbanluvr1 at Photobucket.

Buzz Zeemer Interview - 1996

2008-09-29T20:01:00.007-05:00

A 1996 interview featuring Buzz Zeemer's lead singer and songwriter, Frank Brown, who talks about the "three-minute, thirty-second" pop song and how it fits into the band's mold. Also Tommy Conwell, Ken Buono and Dave McElroy.

A Rumble of Rock and Blues

2008-09-28T08:45:00.002-05:00

Philadelphia Inquirer Album Review of Rumble, 1988.

A 'Rumble' of rock and blues

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers' major-label debut

by Tom Moon
Inquirer Popular-Music Critic
(Philadelphia Inquirer - August, 8, 1988)

The most revealing moment on Rumble, Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers' major-label debut that will be released today, comes near the end of Side Two with Tell Me What You Want Me To Be, a chugging, locomotive jump written by Conwell and veteran songwriter Jules Shear.

As an electric guitar scratches out the Morse code rhythm, Conwell sings of a drifter, scattering details between episodes of bluesy guitar contemplation. When the conclusion arrives -- in the form of the country-fied chorus:

"Well, there is no happiness being this free \ Oh Lord, won't you tell me what you want me to be?"

-- the character's trials, formerly hinted at in the vocals (and explored in the guitar solos), become blindingly clear.

The song is no longer a trite character play. It is an expression of something that has nearly vanished in the sofa-cushioned world of contemporary rock and roll: desperation. This is a last-ditch plea. Conwell's voice cries out for help from anywhere -- even, perhaps, from the TV evangelists. The guy's in trouble.

Such a call for guidance is common in blues and gospel and other American music forms, and Tell Me... tells all about Conwell's intentions. It is an evocation of that crossroads where the bluesman collides with the "break down these walls" attitude of the rocker, and both sojourners walk away fundamentally changed.

That kind of collision happens all over Rumble, with varying degrees of success. Conwell and his band, a Philadelphia institution since shortly after its formation in 1984, have earned a reputation playing music that channeled the raw emotion of rock through a more refined understanding of the blues and gospel.

Subscribers to the "sweat first, message later" school, this band has made a record like few in recent memory. Rumble, on Colulmbia, is a real rock-and-roll record, but not a ponderous one. It's hooky, but not gushy. It's direct, but not blunt. It's cocky, but not pretentious.

Unlike other blues-derivative bands that have won success walking these fine lines -- the Fabulous Thunderbirds, for example -- the Rumblers take the rock side of the mix seriously. Conwell has the look of a budding teen idol. The band oozes attitude -- in the grooves, where it counts, not (as yet) in the marketing campaign, the way many budding metal bands do.

Some of the familiar originals have titles like Walkin' on the Water. As performed on the new album, they contain the strident backing vocals and crunching guitars found more often on rock epics than the blues.

But on Rumble, even the most frothy pop has twinges of blues sensibility. Shear's If We Never Meet Again sounds at first like a soft-strumming-acoustic-guitar pop song in the mold of the Eagles. Conwell, going against what is expected, complements his chiming vocals with melodic, occasionally weeping lines of slide guitar that give the love lyrics a regretful spin.

These touches are everywhere: The four-measure instrumental segments that interrupt the verses of Love's On Fire contain evidence of Conwell's ear for knotty, fresh-sounding lead lines. Likewise, the conversation between Conwell's voice and his guitar on the interlude of Gonna Breakdown reveals the guitarist to be a student of the blues-rock of the mid-'60's, one capable of translating those riffs into a decidedly contemporary setting.

Longtime fans of the band will note considerable development since the independently produced 1986 LP Walkin' On the Water, which sold 70,000 copies in regional release. Four songs from that effort -- the single I'm Not Your Man" and "Love's On Fire," "Walkin' on the Water" and "Everything They Say is True" -- come off sweet rather than sour. In addition, he has become a more confident vocal personality: He can adopt an ice-cold sneer or a bluesman's growl effortlessly, without apologizing for the new-found assertiveness.

The Rumblers have developed as well. Keyboardist Rob Miller, who joined the band just before the Walkin' sessions, contributes percolating organ chords that are integral to the intensity of almost every song. Paul Slivka and Jim Hannum, the bass-drums team, know instinctively when to dig in and when to evaporate; their interplay gives Conwell lots of room to emote, and the songs a necessary structure.

In live performance, Conwell and the Rumblers have long adapted a simplicity of presentation that comes from blues and early rock and roll. The production of Rumble, handled by veteran Rick Chertoff (Cyndi Lauper, The Hooters), had to capture that in the studio, and did. Chertoff is professionally invisible in the mix, committed to getting the sound of the band rather than the sound of him producing the band, a common production trip.

That makes Rumble more lively than man rock albums -- it exhibits a live-performance energy and a cohesiveness that often gets lost on other records under layers of needless padding. The only flaw: While the guitar tracks are slap-you-in-the-face close, there are moments when Conwell's guitar should be allowed to stretch. Chertoff, perhaps mindful of the hit-singles potential of some of these songs, might have clipped the engaging guitarist too close to the vest in a few spots, denying Rumble's audience the chance to experience an inventive guitar voice.

Then again, listen to the three blues choruses Conwell blisters on "Workout," and recall the words of one of his idols, the jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker: "If you can't say what you have to say in three choruses, you can't say it." On that solo and throughout the Rumble, Conwell says exactly what he sets out to say.

2008-09-27T22:05:00.003-05:00

Ticket stub and press [photo] pass for Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers concert at Philadelphia's Theatre of Living Arts. Concert date: March 23, 1989. Courtesy of Eric Hartline.

2008-09-19T22:17:00.003-05:00

Autographed Tommy Conwell image, 1988. Courtesy of Eric Hartline.

2008-09-02T21:17:00.007-05:00

Image courtesy of Justin A. Leigh.

Tommy Conwell will be performing live at Ameritage Bistro, Friday, Sept. 12 -- in the heart of downtown Wilmington!

Click here for more details.

Reservations recommended: Call 302.427.2300

2008-09-01T00:51:00.003-05:00

Tommy Conwell, at the IFC Dance Marathon at Penn State, Feb. 1987. Courtesy of xnedski on Flickr.

2008-08-29T23:17:00.003-05:00

Tommy Conwell and Chris Day, Young Rumblers concert in January 1989.

Image courtesy of Sandy Kinden.