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Singer-Songwriter Tom Love Plays Carolina BBQ
While recovering from a gunshot wound suffered in a hunting accident in 1976, Newland native Tom Love passed the time in the hospital by learning how to play the guitar. Although plenty of people have picked up the instrument in much less harrowing circumstances, Love developed a passion for music that may not have been realized otherwise.
While putting a fine point on musical styles these days can be a dicey proposition, Love insists that he's found the perfect term to describe the style he has been developing during the last 30 years.
" I finally came up with the answer: it's eclectic acoustic," said Love. "I play whatever the crowd seems to like. I like to just go out and have fun with the audience.
From Arlo Guthrie and Merle Haggard to Jimmy Rogers and even Janis Joplin, Love isn't afraid to mix seemingly disparate masters of American music together.
Love spent time traveling the East Coast with various gospel outfits and has performed all over the High Country, including appearances at the Banner Elk Cafe, the Brick Oven, Roan Mountain State Park and the Wooly Worm Festival.
His easygoing folk style features his accomplished fingerpicking and classical vocals.
"I've tried to spread myself out all over the music scene," said Love. "If you can get a crowd to listen and appreciate your music, that's what it's all about."
In recent years, Love has released two CDs. His disk entitled Building on Tradition contains 13 original compositions and is available online, while his live CD recorded with Bob Tatum entitled Live at the Crooked Door is only available at live performances.
"I may never become rich and famous but at least I'm having fun," said Love.