Out
of the musically rich Nova Scotian island called Cape Breton comes tenor, Tom Leadbeater.
His captivating voice, with it's crystal clear tones, rich in harmonics and secure
in it's upper range has earned him a reputation of being one of Nova Scotia's finest
vocalists. Born in 1955 in New Waterford, Tom was surrounded from a young age by
traditional Nova Scotian music, courtesy of his twelve aunts and uncles. They often
gathered in the kitchen to sing and play various instruments. By the age of twelve
he was playing the guitar. Tom's mother, who was a professional pianist and fiddler,
engaged him to sing during her local musical jobs. He was 14 years old and knew
three songs that he repeated during each set. Then his early teenage years became
filled with musical theatre, which included the lead roles in "Jesus Christ
Superstar" and "Godspell".
As a young adult, Tom's days took him
underground to the Cape Breton coal mines where for sixteen years he earned his living ---
yet his evenings were still filled with music as he was a member of several local bands:
Brandy, Three Piece Suit and the Brothers and One. The task of balancing a
day job with musical projects eventually led him to pursue his passion for music on a full
time basis. The year was 1994. He moved to Halifax where his love of Cape
Breton drew him to the folk and traditional music of the province.
He has since left the Pops music scene
and has devoted the vast majority of his time to traditional music of the British Isles
and to Nova Scotian composers. The noted Cape Breton writer, Allister MacGillivray
forms the backbone of Tom' musical repertoire..
His current stage show, "Spirit of Nova Scotia" has taken him back to his roots
where his interpretation and feeling for the music has earned him a loyal audience.
He is a familiar guest in Scottish celebrations, festivals and musical theatre where
traditional music is the focus of the show.
Tom has completed three successful tours
in Scandinavia during 1995-96.
He has been part of the four seasons of the "Memories of the Don Messer Jubilee"
and will be part of their "99 Christmas tour in Ontario. Other tours have
included a tour of the performing arts series programs in southern Ontario with his Celtic
show.
in the '80's Tom turned his attention to physical fitness. During this time Tom won
the Nova Scotia Body Building Championship in the light weight division. While body
building, he also pursued boxing, winning the Welterweight Division in a Golden Gloves
Boxing competition.
Tom currently divides his time between
his engagements in Ontario and the Maritimes giving concerts, promoting his recording,
appearing on TV and radio programs. |
click on picture to enlarge |
