photo by Pete Armstrong

Age 16. Performing with Yerba Buena Blues Band at 1967 Elysian Park Easter Sunday Love-In

"Let's face it, as a vocalist, I ain't exactly God's gift to the music world," Tom says with a shrug.  Many critics have disagreed -- the L.A. Times once wrote that he had "the perfect gruff blues voice" -- but Ball doesn't buy it.  "I mean, let's be honest -- some folks are simply gifted with an amazing set of pipes, but I'm really not one of 'em. Take a listen to the informal recordings Aretha made when she was 14. Or Brenda Lee's records at age 11!  Or Alison Krauss's teenage efforts! Now those folks can sing!"

Still it is Tom's voice that most listeners hear first. Although he may not be a particular fan of his own singing, Tom has strong opinions about the singers he likes. "Although I can't emulate them per se, I was hugely influenced by the gospel vocalists of the 1950s: Archie Brownlee of the Five Blind Boys, Claude Jeter, Paul Owens and Solomon Womack of the Swan Silvertones, Ira Tucker of the Dixie Hummingbirds.  Those cats knock me out!  And of course, how could anyone not be influenced by Ray?"

As to his early efforts, Ball is even more critical. "When I was with Yerba Buena, I was a ridiculous excuse for a singer. I mean, I could hold a tune -- but how much real authority can a 16-year-old white kid from the 'burbs bring to the blues genre?  Even at the time, it felt idiotic singing about 'working in coal mines' or 'saddling up my mule' or 'making love to that fine brownskin.'  I hadn't experienced any of that shit, y'know?  What could I really have the blues about?  My surfboard wax melted?  One of the merit badges fell off my Boy Scout uniform?  I got detention?  My dad made me mow the lawn?"

always warm up before singing

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