Tom Rooney Music

A slow train to nowhere... In this song Tommy compiles a slow jazz cut revolution. He is not trying to reinvent the wheel of the jazz subgenre like some of the classics, his song simply showcases a deep soulful blowing style on tenor with the angels melancholy. Tommy is able to capture the essence of the vocal masters, and is reminiscent of the inimitable style of the late Jon Lucien on his timeless track "Endless Love". This song surprises with soulful guitar and piano lines, however it isn't just the track, the song just cruises, and the unhurried acoustic guitar playing and piano over the rhythm proves to be the clincher. The slick layer of musicality reads like a piece out of the Stevie Wonder playbook. To summarise, this song is great value for your time; yeah, it's good music, but what kind of minor key twelve bar blues can fail to connect with a certain mood. If smooth bluesy jazz tickles your fancy, the fine grooves of slow train will prove to be just the tonic.

Hollywood is Reality is not the sleazy hollywood song you might expect, rather this tune features well crafted hooks and infectious instrumental lines. There is a more contemporary sound here than in later works from Mind's Eye, when the band had fine tuned their live performances to make an emphatic statement on the Sydney music scene. This song was an early effort from Mind's Eye, before they stole a march through the inner sanctum of the Sydney Inner City strip, later playing at legendary venues such as the Landsdowne, the Hopetoun, the Sandringham etc. This is where Tommy and the band cut their teeth, and eventually made their name. You really hear where this song is coming from within it's continuum, as it presses forward to showcase the Mind'e Eye sound that was gradually perfected over a decade. Hollywood is Reality doesn't knock it out of the park, but it must be said it's a very good song. I look forward to hearing more from the band whose song direction and musical growth featured strongly on the Sydney music scene for over a decade.

One Hit Wonder is a story that is told from beginning to end in just over three minutes. The musicality of Darryl Chute gives this charming melody an insistent beat, as if the listener is just waiting for the story to present itself. And what a lyrical treat this is, as Tommy presents a cautionary tale on the perils of unanticipated success, when there is nothing left in the locker to build on that fleeting sense of momentum. One can't help but feel sad for the singer in question, is this based on a true story or does it come from the songwriter's vivid imagination? Regardless, I love this quirky and thoroughly original song. Although the song is built around grand piano and acoustic guitar, there is still an excellent build up towards a crescendo of frustration, as the last chorus builds before it's inevitable denouement. The story of the song is encapsulated when the singer plaintively yearns.. I guess I needed a follow up song, if I was to succeed in this game. Sometimes I still hear people sing along, to that wonderful song from whatsisname. One Hit Wonder by Tommy Rooney, priceless!

Aphrodite is a sparkling pop song, and listeners can't help but feel good about the world. The band manages to engage the listener from the opening bar, and a delightful combination of guitar and piano drive the song in the most melodic fashion. The bass lines are intricate and addictive, and the melody is just sumptuous. Tommy utilises female backing vocals in this classic pop song, and the song really hums along from the outset. The song features a simple but elegant guitar solo that highlight the song's melodic theme, before launching back into it's addictive vocal line. Aphrodite is a song about love, and the upbeat tempo helps propel the listener to a better place. We all need the magic and power of love, and Aphrodite engages the listener to appreciate the good things in life. This is a great song, bursting with an infectious melody layered upon understated musicianship of  a high quality.