BadAss Harmonica
Little Walter Sad Hours for Tom Hyslop - Dennis Gruenling, Nick Moss Band, blues harmonica showcase
Dennis Gruenling with the Nick Moss Band on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise#34, 2020
Dennis Gruenling - harmonica
Nick Moss - guitar
Rodrigo Mantovani - bass
Taylor Streiff - piano
Patrick Seals - drums
Tom Hyslop R.I.P. 1963-2020
❤️ From the first review I read by Tom Hyslop, I didn’t know who that guy was, but I knew we would get along. We finally met at Marquette Area Blues Fest one year when I performed there, and it was like meeting my long lost brother for the first time. Some people you just feel an instant bond with. I know after knowing Tom for a while now that I have no doubt many of us felt that way when meeting Tom (and/or perhaps after just a few online conversations with him). Nonetheless, that day, we immediately bonded as we went into conversations covering topics such as Chicago Blues and early Rock and Roll, to Bon Scott era AC/DC and the New York Dolls, from David Lynch and Salvador Dali to classic cars, vegan food and cool footwear. Now, I’m no stranger to the fact that I’m a little “different” than some on the blues scene, but I’ve always been the outsider of any scene I was part of pretty much my entire life. It was nice to have a bond with such a kindred spirit. Tom liked a lot of good music and was not afraid to say so, and I respected that - a lot. But to have his encyclopedic knowledge of, and be such an ambassador for, Blues music and still be articulate and passionate about other styles such as Rock n’ Roll, Punk, Jazz and more, really opened my eyes.
Tom and I had many conversations over the years about how different genres we loved related, as well as many conversations about some of our favorite recordings, players and gigs we’ve witnessed. Sharing thoughts, opinions, ideas, and lots of love and passion for music. I don’t know how anyone else feels about this, but in my experience it’s rare to find someone SO passionate and in love with this music, who is also 1) not afraid to be openly passionate about other styles, 2) more knowledgable than many musicians on the scene to be able to wisely, honestly (and lovingly in many cases) critique recordings and performances with as much or more in-depth knowledge than almost anyone out there, and 3) sincerely support and care about so many other musicians (and their music) on the scene.
On top of all of this, Tom was just a gem of guy. Caring, honest, sincere, supportive, encouraging, intuitive, and let’s not forget stylish. We’ve shared some very personal things along the way, and he has been there for me through some life-changing moments.
How much our friendship meant to me is a testament to Tom as a friend and a human being. I would have done anything for him. But even more of a testament is the fact that I’m pretty sure I’m just one of many. Tom was the type of person who made these bonds with people because of who he was, how he was, and how he lived and cared for us and this music.
The Blues world, the Music world, the Human world is a much better place for having had Tom Hyslop here….and that’s not something that will soon change either.
Need a friend to drive hours on end just to come out and support a live show, have great conversation and some quality friend time?
Tom was that guy.
Need some encouragement after the road (or this business) starts to beat you up?
Tom was that guy.
Need some spot-on advice about your next demo, song verse, or recording mixes?
Tom was that guy.
Need some great album or artist recommendations when you start losing inspiration?
Tom was that guy.
Need a caring friend, a gentle soul, an unwavering fighter?
Tom was that guy.
Need someone in this business to set you straight and tell it like it is, while simultaneously lifting you up and pushing you further?
Tom was that guy.
Tom will always be that guy…and so much more.
I thanked him many times, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to do so. I’m grateful that the Universe saw to it for such a bright light in this business, who had undeservedly fought so long and so hard, and with such dignity, to at least have the chance to say goodbye and for many others to do the same with him.
I want to extend my heart, my love, and my condolences to his family and his many close and caring friends 💔
Nick Moss Band plays the best of chicago blues, and I'm featured here on blues harmonica, doing a little tribute to my dear friend Tom Hyslop, at a harmonica showcase with the Nick Moss Band on the Blues Cruise.
Some of my favorite players include - little walter, big walter, james cotton, junior wells, george harmonica smith, kim wilson, rod piazza, william clarke, rick estrin, steve guyger, papa lightfoot, jim liban, sonnyboy williamson
...see my website for harmonica lessons, little walter shirts, backing tracks, jam tracks, blues harmonica lessons, hohner harmonicas, and more
