News and musings from Tom
My philosophy about harmonica contributions : Not too much. Ordinarily, not over vocals. Mostly cross-harping, unless a melody is wanted which dictates straight-harping. Subtle, not Flashy. Remember, at times the harmonica can be a violin (straight harping mostly), and some times it’s the” Mississippi Saxophone” (cross-harping). Something to remember when you are a sideman accompanying: Make the stage seem more bare by your presence.
Listen up.
Tom Dews - Acoustic Blues - February 2026
Wispy Mop Music Acoustic Radio Podcast
Tom Dews is a masterful acoustic blues instrumentalist and songwriter, as well as being a talented rack-mount harmonica player. Here is his story.
No More to Roam, Tom Dews at the New England Songwriters Retreat 2024
Episode #39, recorded at NERFA (Northeastern Regional Folk Alliance) in New York, 2018
Time’s Just a River, Tom Dews and Ron Goad.
El Travador made by National Guitars
Its Spanish name translates as “The Troubador,” and this wood-body single-cone National has been popular with musicians ever since its debut in 1932.
Instrumental Guitar Round-Robin
2015 Takoma Park Folk Festival
on the 7th Heaven Stage.
Takoma Park, MD.