Solo acoustic or full band — elevating a room, from our rockin' souls.

My wife and I were recently in a local bar that almost exclusively features musicians who play covers. Thom Powers, performing solo and unknown to us, immediately caught our attention … his musicianship and discriminating song choices suggested this might be an extraordinary listening experience. Then a ways into his set Thom introduced an original song and our heads literally turned; he had our complete attention. He solicited requests several times during the evening and each time the couple sitting next to us joined us as we bellowed “PLAY ANOTHER ORIGINAL.” Fortunately, he abided, and we became instant fans. We have seen him several times since with three masterful sidemen whose effortless craftsmanship adds layers of texture, as well as a frisson, to the work.

Powers’ 2023 debut album Rockin’ Soul features a range of styles from the reflective “Sing For Love” to the funk of “Gimme” and “Every Time I See Your Face” to “Rockin’ Soul,” which could be mistaken for a lost track from The Band. This is rock and roll that will soothe your soul all the way down to your toes.