No Added Sugar - Tommee and the Neighbourhood  Catalogue Number LIRO 001

 ABOUT THE ALBUM

No Added Sugar ...is just that ....
This album is the culmination of years of traveling for TOMMEE and brings together some of the worlds best urban and roots musicians on the planet. The album will never be away from being on a CD player somewhere and will become a standard that can be listened to at any point in time.

TOMMEE was born in the heart of the jungle, in a village called Bima in Sumbawa Island on the Eastern side of Indonesian archipelago.

His musical journey began in his mother's kitchen, with an orchestra of instruments including the pots and pans and plates and buckets.

At Twelve Tommee's rhythm and timing was recognized by one of his teachers at school which introduced him to a drum kit, It was from here that Tommee's inspiration of music and the mastering of many types of string instruments and traditional percussions evolved, including the Guitar, Kecapi, Piano, Gambo and Kenong. 20 years ago TOMMEE arrived in Australia to share his stories, spread his sounds, and continue his musical journey. Arriving in Sydney, TOMMEE began playing keyboards in the African and Caribbean music scene, which soon saw him playing with 'Kalabash'.

With Kalabash TOMMEE toured extensively throughout Australia, playing in major Venues and Festivals, and supporting acts such as The Wailers, JimmiCliff, Ziggy Marley, Steel Pulse, Paul Simon and UB40.

TOMMEE has since spent time working on his original compositions with the Guitar and Kecapi. On the Kecapi he has collaborated and performed as a special guest with Bob Brozman and Harry Manx. Growing up in a world that provided so many different cultures, languages and stories has given Tommee a very unique understanding and appreciation of art in music.

ALBUM TRACKS

1. BLAH BLAH BLAH
2. WHEN MOTE PLAYS JAZZ 
3. AMA (FATHER)
4. JOSEPH & THE TOP PARK
5. PIGEON OF THE PRESENT
6. BULAN (MOON)
7. FOODS BEFORE EVERYTHING ELSE
8. LOVE AND MONDAY
9. PLATONIC FRIEND
10. ZOO
11. ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE SUNRISE
12. BREATHING

.The ever so familiar foot tapping rhythms of Tommee’s soulful jam leaves audiences spell bound wherever he goes. His charismatic presence, his combination of style and love of ethnic musical instruments encouraged an edgy, unique sound where it is described as roots, blues, folk, reggae, gypsy, world music – all of which does not encompass one entity but welcomes all.

He landed on our shores 20 years ago, calling Sydney home. His determination to continue his musical journey by spreading his soulful jams throughout Australia led him to secure a role as keyboardist with the infamous contemporary jazz ensemble, Kalabash. This gave Tommee the opportunity o extensively tour Australia, playing in major festivals and support acts such as The Wailers, Ziggy Marley, UB40 etc.

Tommee has since spent time working on his original compositions, creating more musical harmonies and rhythmic melodies with the Kecapi. Apart from working on this album, his skill on the Kecapi has seen Tommee performing as guest musician with other prolific artists such as Bob Brozman and Harry Manx.

Tommee was born in the heart of the jungle, in a village called Bima in Sumbawa Island on the Eastern side of Indonesian archipelago. His musical journey began in his mother's kitchen, where he amused himself with an orchestra of instruments including the pots and pans and plates and buckets.

At the tender age of 12, his music teacher spotted his natural talent and star quality, introducing him to drums. It was at this point Tommee’s inspiration for music escalated where he mastered traditional and ethnic string and percussion instruments including the guitar, piano, Kecapi, Gambo and Kenong.

Tommee is a Blue Pie artist and is available at all leading digital retailers on the planet. You can search for Tommee under his name "Tommee". For more information on Blue Pie and Tommee please go to the following websites.

www.bluepie.com.au