"Music has changed based on the moral decline of society, and there will always be real soul but the way to express it sometimes is covered over by the introduction of electronics."

Thomas Hall: Soulful Life Stories

Out of Buffalo, New York comes a multi-talented performer, at times called the “Renaissance Man” due to his achievements in various fields of entertainment. "Thomas" (a.k.a. Thomas C. Hall), is an accomplished singer/songwriter and actor. Thomas is member of legendary group of The Exoutics. Group's musical style is a cross of R&B and Old School Soul with light Jazz overtones. The soulful lead vocals are complemented with smooth intricate background arrangements. In 2011 Thomas, along with the group that he has performed, and recorded with, inducted into The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame which is considered the highest honor and recognition for musicians in the City.

There will be a permanent place established within the Buffalo Museum of Science, for those who were honored with this award. A former friend of Rick James, and  first cousin to Arsenio Hall, Thomas, has had much experience on stage and has opened for many Artist such as, The Stylistics, Heat Wave, The Chi Lites, Eddie Kindricks, formerly of The Temptations, to name a few. Previous works released on an album in 2008 entitled “Natural Thang” under the easy listening category.

A poem was written and released by Thomas, in the International Library of Poetry which was released in a hard cover compilation book of poems. A graduate from Emerson Vocational High School, and former student of Buffalo State College, he has strived to continue the process of improvement, simply for a better life for himself and of those around him, with Faith and with the Talents that “God” has given him. Thomas, is currently employed at DuPont Manufacturing, but continues his quest to establish himself in the Music Industry with his unique vocal styling.

Interview by Michael Limnios

When was your first desire to become involved in music and what are your first musical memories?

At age 11 yrs. old I joined my first group and a memory that sticks to me are girls screaming and even fainting when I sang.

What do you learn about yourself from the Soul and Rhythm & Blues and what does the blues mean to you?

I learn to express myself through music and to become a spokesman for other people who look to me to express what they’re feeling through songs and that means to me that I should be responsible with that gift. 

How do you describe Thomas Hall sound and songbook? What characterize your music philosophy?

I describe my sound as emotional based on the influences of Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, and Stevie Wonder. My songbook would be entitled Life Stories…with philosophy’s surrounding truth.

"My hope for the future is to be one of those artists who bring back positive messages for the future…my fear is that artists will continue to disrespect the gifts that they have been given."

Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you? What is the best advice ever given you?

The most important meeting for me was to be introduced to my new born son. The best advice given to me was…Stay Ready.

What do you miss most days from the Soul of past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

What I miss most about the past music is the positive messages. My hope for the future is to be one of those artists who bring back positive messages for the future…my fear is that artists will continue to disrespect the gifts that they have been given.

If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?

I would change the moral decline to a morality that builds and not break down.

What has made you laugh lately and what touched (emotionally) you from the local music circuits?

I laughed with joy knowing that what I do is appreciated by an organization such as the Blues Hall of Fame and that it affected me on a high emotional scale.

Are there any memories from studio, shows, festivals and open acts which you’d like to share with us?

Performing at the world famous Apollo in New York was a great memory and opening for the legendary group The Stylistics.

"I learn to express myself through music and to become a spokesman for other people who look to me to express what they’re feeling through songs and that means to me that I should be responsible with that gift." (Photo: Thomas and the lead singer of The Stylistics)

Why did you think that the Soul and Rhythm & Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following?

Because there is a need for this kind of expression.

What are the lines that connect the legacy of Blues with Soul and continue to R&B and Gospel music?

Responsible expression.

Make an account of the case of the Soul/ R&B in Buffalo, NY. What was the trade mark of local scene?

The trade mark of the local scene in Buffalo was live performances in many different clubs, but since that time many clubs for entertainment have closed.

How has the music changed over the years? Do you believe in the existence of real Soul nowadays?

Music has changed based on the moral decline of society, and there will always be real soul but the way to express it sometimes is covered over by the introduction of electronics.

Let’s take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really wanna go for a whole day..?

I would like to revisit each time someone cried because of feeling so good because of the sound of my voice so that I could experience the thought of contributing to their experience.

"The trade mark of the local scene in Buffalo was live performances in many different clubs, but since that time many clubs for entertainment have closed."

(Photo © by Robin Murray - Tomas Hall with Michael Packer, holding his Blues Hall Of Fame Award)