The Tom Fun Orchestra is the world’s premier vaudevillian-cluster-rock ensemble featuring an ambitious mix of electric and acoustic instruments and enough skilled musicians on stage to intimidate even the largest crowds. Lead by Ian Macdougall’s unique and undeniable songwriting talents, the sound, the songs and the experience have refreshed impressions of what Canada’s Maritime provinces have to offer musically.

The band’s distinctive instrumentation marries a hybrid bluegrass-gypsy orchestra of violin, banjo, mandolin, accordion, trumpet and double bass to a driving trio of guitars and pounding drums. Built on a foundation of exemplary musicianship, the focused rhythm section allows Morgan Currie and Albert Lionais the freedom to provide leads on violin and trumpet that soar triumphantly over cutting mandolin melodies and a wall of accordion and banjo.

The gang is led upfront by the vocal duo of Ian MacDougall and Alicia Penney, often being joined by the remaining seven members for a shout along chorus. As the front man MacDougall is as entertaining and engaging as the best in the business with an extremely animated presence and a remarkable ability to think on his feet. Alicia makes the perfect foil for his antics as the reticent girl-next-door with a voice that commands the room’s attention.

The band has spent the past year playing on any stage big enough to hold them and news of the Orchestra’s endearing and invigorating stage show is spreading. With a push from the heavy air play their demo received on the CBC, The Tom Fun Orchestra has wowed music lovers and industry alike at showcases during ECMA 2007, where they established themselves as the buzz band of the weekend. They’ve also floored crowds at the Canada Day Countdown in Saint John, New Brunswick, Pop Montreal in Quebec, Nova Scotia Music Week and the House of Rock’s 18 date Invincible Summer tour. TTFO spent time in Connecticut working on its debut album with platinum selling production team Warren Bruleigh and Gordon Gano. Gano, being best known as the singer / songwriter for the folk-punk icons the Violent Femmes, was a good fit to oversee the production of the epic, yet raw, folk rock blend of grungy guitars, traditional tinged hooks, exultant choruses and danceable shuffles. The album is a ragged and powerful slab of roots rock that is sure to grab the ear of the most jaded music fan with its engaging songcraft and jaw-dropping musicianship.