Sunday Music Spotlight – The Tom Fun Orchestra

Is there something in the air in Canada that makes people see the world a little differently? That’s the only explanation for Nova Scotia’s Tom Fun Orchestra. They portray themselves as a band of bluegrass-gypsies fulfilling the musical aspirations of the mythical Tom Fun, a hard-scrabble orphan whose brothel upbringing instilled an appreciation of musical excess. Got all that?

In reality they’re a band of talented musicians led by engaging frontman Ian MacDougall. MacDougall’s motley crew weaves together upright bass, violin, accordion, trumpet, drums, banjo, and both electric and acoustic guitars into a unique slurry of jazz and straight up rock and roll. Above all they’re an authentic musical experience, gaining their reputation and fan base by relentlessly touring, playing any stage big enough for them.

To record their latest album You Will Land With a Thud the band shacked up in Connecticut with Gordon Gano, who you may remember as the driving force behind a little band called The Violent Femmes. The resulting effort crackles with energy and captures a talented and enthusiastic band at their best.

Tom Fun Orchestra - Rum Tequila

Bawdy, blaring, and ballsy, “Rum & Tequila” is everything you could want out of a barroom song. This is what it would sound like if Tom Waits joined Squirrel Nut Zippers.

Tom Fun Orchestra - Marshall Applewhite
Abandoning his Tom Waits voice, MacDougall now channels Eddie Vedder in this ode to Heaven’s Gate cult leader Marshall Applewhite.

Videos
“Watchmaker” live

“Tar Pond Tango” live

Behind the scenes look at the making of You Will Land With a Thud

Links
Buy You Will Land with a Thud
Official Site
MySpace