The first time I saw Tom perform it was at the 300 anniversary of the T.V. show at OZs’ on Tuesday night. Tom got up and sang with Alan Ball and they just blew me away. I told a couple of musician friends that I wanted to be their drummer. A couple of years later I had just worked my last day at Borders and stopped in the Enzo blues jam and there was Tom writing a song and having dinner. I re-introduced myself and kiddingly asked if he needed any musicians as I was officially out of work. Tom said he needed a utility person that could play bass, drums and guitar and I said “Im your man” I got to play with Tom many times over the next year or so and I will cherish it forever. Tom would call and tell me to get ready to play bass or drums and send me Cowcatcher CDs so I could practice. The last time we talked he asked me to play drums in August at Hillsdale. He said “you can be Levon Helm”. Tom was like a real mentor to me. Anyone who played with Tom will tell you that he was a teacher. From him I learned not only music but performance and mostly respect for the craft and the audience. Once Tom and I were playing at Bombadil’s in Ypsi and only one person really paid attention with eye contact and foot stomping etc. Tom said we were building our audience one member at a time. Tom loved his daughter and his family and his friends. He also loved music and re-awoke my own love of music and songwrting. When Tom turned and shook my hand after a particularly well played song he would have the greatest look on his face like we just did the best thing in the world and I think we did. Whenever I write a song or perform I will have Tom on my shoulder telling me to keep better time or sing with emotion. Once a cowcatcher, always a cowcatcher. Tom’s wonderful songs will always be in my set. I hope we plan a tribute to Tom either out at Hillsdale or here in A2. I will help any way I can. God bless Tom’s family and friends. With the utmost respect and love, Martin T. Roberts PS - If anybody has picture with me and Tom or a copy of the video tape from his Hank senior tribute in Hillsdale, I sure would appreciate a copy. Peace and Love