Tom Butler - I Won't Give Up (Jason Mraz cover)

Read more about Tom's music here (with purchase links)

I've long been a fan of the very excellent indeed Jason Mraz. Ever since his days where The Remedy ruled alternative college radio in the USA through to his Mr A-Z phase (pioneering the very sound that Ed Sheeran is now comfortably making a living from) up to his global stardom for dreamy romantic hits such as I'm Yours. There was always an organic sincerity to Jason's music - a feeling that the power of his music might just well make the world a better place (see Life Is Wonderful, Live High et al). On the surface young Tom Butler isn't that dissimilar to Mr Mraz. His songs are imbued with an earnest conviction that makes him a master storyteller and artful craftsman of melodic, musical majesty. His On The Line EP (purchase here) is a journey resonant in sentiment and emotion that brings into focus real life situations we can all relate to. A singer for the everyman and woman out there. So it feels right and proper that he breathe his own brand of magic into Jason's hit I Won't Give Up. In a way it feels like a natural lyrical extension of the music from On The Line (indeed, Jason could do a lovely cover himself of Tom's Boats) while Tom gives the song an anguished yearning that is palpable in every delicate, fragile note he sings. It's worth noting how the video (above) completely holds your attention despite being simplistic in nature - just Tom and a guitar; there's something about it that allows you to focus fully on letting the song infuse you with it's message, the music soothing you as Tom's timeless tonal quality guides the melody forward. There's no doubting that Tom is a consumate performer not only of his own music but interpreting the words of others so they feel like they were always meant just for him to share. It's a quality that will no doubt see him build on his burgeoning fanbase this year - I look forward to (hopefully) seeing him live, hearing more music and finding out the fruits of his labours with the equally charming Harriet. Stay tuned...