Search - Michael Tomlinson, Michael Thomlinson :: Face Up in the Rain

One of the smoothest voices in music

Jay L. Rudko | Pembroke Pines, FL USA | 07/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Michael Tomlinson has a way with a song that pulls you in and involves you. All of the songs on this CD do just that. In "All is Clear", you feel his sadness in leaving everything and everyone he loves behind as he flies off to who knows what. "Safe At Home" is another one that makes you feel good just to listen to it.In addition to all this, his voice is smooth as glass, and he's backed by a great group of studio musicians who don't overpower his vocals. All in all, a highly recommended album that belongs in any pop or contemporary jazz collection."

Unusual to have so many great tunes on one album...

Jay L. Rudko | 11/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My second favorite MT album, but still one of his best. The messages are clear, the music is not just 'filler' for the words as is the case with much of the folk genre. I am totally mystified that MT's music is not more popular that is is. A major talent. My favorite tune on this album is "All Is Clear" and my all time favorite tune "Run Like the River Runs" (from 'Run This Way Forever' -1988) left me speechless. Listen and enjoy."

A Man For the Music

Mark Bryant | Portland, ME | 03/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am very proud to call Michael a friend, even though we have never met. About 2 years ago, I wrote to him via e-mail telling him how much his song "Yellow Windows" (from his first album "Run This Way Forever" meant to me .. how I first heard it driving one night along a lonely stretch of Alaskan highway, heading to a distant tavern. As I turned the corner, "Yellow Windows" came on the radio at the same time I saw the yellow windows of the tavern. To my surprise, Mr. Tomlinson wrote back the very next day and told me the whole story of how he wrote the song when he lived in Whitefish, MT. We have corresponded occasionally over the past few years - a true gentleman and a troubador's soul. This album is one of his best - if you're not tapping your toes to the upbeat country-ish "Years", or the smooth, introspective "All is Clear", then you might need to be hooked up to an IV spilling taste into your veins. I served 25 years in the military and "All is Clear" contains my favorite verse from ANY song anywhere: "I have watched my friends scatter out across this land, and I wonder if I'll live so long to see them all again". So true. Michael got tired of the music business early on in his career and stood up for his principles. He walked away from record deals and agents and formed his own label (Desert Rain) so he could make his music the way he wanted to. I admire that immensely. Give this one a listen - you will not be dissapointed. Maybe, as in a previous song from "Still Believe", we can all become "Lovers of the World"."