Tom Lewis at St Nick's

Tom is renowned for composing 'The Last Shanty' (A Sailor Ain't A Sailor), ''Sailor's Prayer' (Send Down A Dove), 'Legend' (Marching Inland), plus many other contemporary songs of the sea that have become folk standards, sung by more than 40 groups around the world.

As winner of the inaugural "Trophée Stan Hugill", French fans dub Tom "The Springsteen of Sea Chanteys". Old Songs Festival (Altamont NY) declares "This man knows the sea ... from the bottom up!", whilst Living Tradition (UK) says "Although I always knew he was good, I was not quite prepared for HOW good." 24 years in the British Royal Navy, "provides him with that vitally authentic stance with which to tackle nautical song" Living Tradition.

Tom's repertoire—from traditional shanties to songs fashioned out of his own seafaring background—recruits his audience for a voyage by turns reflective, dramatic and humorous. Born in Northern Ireland, Tom's Celtic heritage is obvious in his clear, strong voice, evoking quiet sorrow for a fisherman lost to the sea just as honestly as it powers out a shanty "to be heard above the gales."

With songs that have become folk standards; known and sung wherever great choruses ring out; Tom accompanies himself on button accordion and ukulele—but it's that powerful vocal style and infectious humour—that quality of entertaining—which keeps audiences coming back again ... and again.

Tom Lewis | Welcome

At the age of 81, Tom is still touring widely - whilst also utilising the boon that zoom can provide – even if it is a pale imitation of a hearty pub-sing, so he partakes in a few musical sessions online, taking his brand of wry humour, his nautical knowledge, and his powerful voice - all of which he loves to share - to audiences everywhere. 

“Widely acknowledged as North America's finest exponent of contemporary nautical songs” (it sez 'ere) (Canadian Society for Traditional Music), Tom Lewis brings to the stage wry humour, button accordion, ukulele, a great voice and his unique experience of more than 40 years bridging the sea-going and folk-singing communities.

This event is being promoted by The Folk