“Blues music from its inception has been a pure and honest depiction of the struggles of human kind. Efforts must be made to share the magic that comes when humans share their pain, suffering and even happiness in simple & honest terms. Blues Music must be shared to keep this pipeline to the soul open.”

Crooked Eye Tommy: Nashville Road 

Crooked Eye Tommy (Thomas Marsh) is a blues guitarist & vocal powerhouse. It has been said that he sings like his life depends on getting the next note out. Tommy played guitar and sang off and on all his life but it wasn't until his mid 40's that he actually became a lead singer quite by accident when the singer in the band he was playing in left the band. A late bloomer for sure but Tommy has wasted no time since then and has become extremely successful on the American Blues Music scene. Crooked Eye Tommy was a finalist at the 2020 International Blues Challenge in Memphis competing for the Santa Clarita Blues Society. He has been honored with many awards over the last 15 years including a Hollywood Music in Media Award in 2021, a 2022 Josie Award for Best Blues Duo/Group, 5-time best blues artist and a Hall of Fame Inductee in the Ventura County Music Awards. Tommy has released two studio albums - Butterflies & Snakes (2015) and Hot Coffee and Pain (2020). Crooked Eye performs around 100 shows a year all across America and Europe.                   (Crooked Eye Tommy & Tomislav Goluban / Photo by Vid Kotarski)

Crooked Eye Tommy (Tommy Marsh) roars out of Ventura, CA, with fierce blues-rock intentions and Croatia-born Tomislav “Little Pigeon” Goluban, together, they create a masterful blend, pulsating with music from both their worlds, driving hard on new album “Nashville Road” (Release Day: January 17, 2025). The album is filled with original material by Tomi, with an assist from Crooked Eye Tommy on “There Is A Train,” and lyrics by Anamarija Nekić on “Life Is Good.” They share the vocals, while Tommy adds guitar to the mix, with Tomi's blues-inspired harp. The smartly crisp backers are Eric Robert on keys, Jasco Duende on guitar, Doug Seibert on bass, Alphonso Wesby on drums, Bill Gilliam on upright bass and Grady Clark on slide guitar.

Interview by Michael Limnios.             Archive: Crooked Eye Tommy, 2020 interview

Special Thanks: Betsie Brown (Blind Raccoon) & Tommy Marsh

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process? 

Well I think that as the years have gone by I have become less concerned about what people think of me. My music and my playing is more free as result. I enjoy everything about it more as a result… I still write songs the same way, mostly in my head and when I have enough to really excite me then I figure out the mechanical of what is in my head.

What moment changed your music life the most? With such an illustrious career, what has given you the most satisfaction musically?

I think that receiving the Josie Award on the stage at The Grand Old Opry in Nashville has got to be the most memorable moment. Standing on that stage was amazing. I think that not having to struggle to get work has given me great satisfaction… But musically speaking, I think I'm most happy with the way my voice has evolved over the years. 

What's the balance in music between technique and soul? What is the driving force behind your continuous support for your music?

It's different for everyone I suppose. I'm far more interested in the soul of my performances than the technical aspects... Music can change a persons life.. so it is a no brainer that I would spend energy in support of it. Music is the only universal language on earth... And I do my best to speak it well.

”Well I think that as the years have gone by I have become less concerned about what people think of me. My music and my playing is more free as result. I enjoy everything about it more as a result.. I still write songs the same way, mostly in my head and when I have enough to really excite me then I figure out the mechanical of what is in my head.” (Photo: Crooked Eye Tommy)

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? Who are some of your very favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music?

So much of our history & culture is under attack by the juggernaut of "Progress". Blues music from its inception has been a pure and honest depiction of the struggles of human kind. Efforts must be made to share the magic that comes when humans share their pain, suffering and even happiness in simple & honest terms. Blues Music must be shared to keep this pipeline to the soul open.

Since moving to Nashville a couple years ago i have met so many unbelievably talented musicians who inspire me daily... Most all of whom no one has ever heard of. My brother Paddy Marsh inspires me greatly. My dear friend Grady Clark who plays slide guitar on "There is a train" inspires me to no end.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

My path has certainly changed as the years go by. I host a regular "Jam Session" at Nashville’s only real Juke Joint Papa Turney's BBQ. We welcome all levels of musicians and give them the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience often for the first time. Sharing the stage & the music with those new to the genre is a long time tradition in the blues genre.

I host 2 annual music Festivals each year bring in great blues artists to perform. The Ojai Blues Fest in California and the Crooked Eye Blues Fest in Tennessee are both labors of love and are both solely sponsored. Meaning we have no corporate sponsorship in order to keep them small Festivals dedicated solely to the music and the musicians.

”It's different for everyone I suppose. I'm far more interested in the soul of my performances than the technical aspects... Music can change a persons life.. so it is a no brainer that I would spend energy in support of it. Music is the only universal language on earth... And I do my best to speak it well.”

(Crooked Eye Tommy & Tomislav Goluban / Photo by Martin Turk)

Currently you’ve one release with Tomislav Goluban. How did that relationship come about? Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album Nashville Road?

Tomislav & I became friends on the internet really... and it started when we were both working with Blue Heart Records with our own bands.

We worked together on a tune from one of his previous records where I sang the vocal for it. The song was "I can't take it anymore" I guess Tomislav liked the way that turned out. My Brother Paddy and I traveled to Croatia in the summer of 2023 and we worked with Tomislav while we were there. He floated the idea of doing a record in Nashville so I put together the band and arranged the studio. Tomislav came over late in 2023 and we laid down the basic tracks during that visit. I recorded my vocals  sessions a few weeks later. Tomislav put it all together in Croatia... and here we are. 

I am so very grateful to be working with such a great talent as Tomislav. I'm very honored that he asked me to be involved with this project. I hope your audience will take time to check it out...

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