Tommy Sheffield — Something Came True

The Story

From the streets of London to a California summer — from disappointment to a dream come true.

Tommy Sheffield with a surfboard in California

As a kid, getting in trouble on the streets of London, Tommy was sent to juvenile hall for smoking weed. Released, he tuned in and dropped out to life on the streets of San Francisco during the “Summer of Love.” He loved surfing and spent years as a professional beach bum.

As a bartender, he worked in seedy joints from Fresno to Tijuana — parties for the polite, and poker games for punks. Then he accidentally took an assistant job at a printing shop and ended up running the company.

Later in life, he travelled to Half Moon Bay, California, where he met surfing legend Jeff Clark, one of the world’s most renowned big-wave surfers. Tommy wondered if Clark might have a job for an “old man.” His years with Clark became the inspiration for the song Surfer Guy.

The Album

Four chords. One old friend. One dream.

Tommy Sheffield and Richard Niles in the recording studio

A few years ago, retired and living in Arizona, Tommy got back in touch with his high-school friend Richard Niles — the kid who had taught him the four chords he was still playing.

That kid was now an acclaimed composer and record producer, who had worked with Paul McCartney, Ray Charles and James Brown. Richard encouraged his friend to keep making music. When Tommy told him it had always been his dream to make an album, they began writing songs based on Tommy’s extraordinary life.

The Studio

Laurence, Alex, Richard, and Tommy

“We recorded like we made the classic albums of the ’70s and ’80s — with the kind of fun and passion only live musicians can create.”

— Richard Niles

Producer – Arranger – Co-Songwriter

Richard Niles

With over 40 platinum records, a global reputation, and an unmistakable voice, Niles
continues to shape the sound of contemporary music with imagination, depth, and wit.

www.richardniles.com

The Musicians

Laurence Juber (L.J.)

Grammy-winning guitar legend Laurence (known to his fans as “L.J.”) has been Richard’s friend and colleague for 50 years. Playing on countless film scores, he was guitarist for Paul McCartney’s WINGS.

As well as two GRAMMY® awards, L.J. has many awards for his solo guitar albums.

Laurence enjoyed Tommy’s album so much... he offered to mix it!

Alexander Niles

A rising star on the L.A. music scene with 14 years of professional experience — live and in recording studios in London and L.A., Alex’s music credits include work with Randy Brecker and Leo Sayer. Pat Metheny called him “a young musician of incredible potential.”

Alex also co-wrote the album’s beautiful ballad, Something Came True.

Eric Lee

With over 20 years of experience as a session musician and live sideman, Eric has been a 1st-call bassist in Los Angeles since 2015, playing in a wide variety of styles.

Producer Niles saw him playing in YAGO and knew he was the ideal musician for Tommy’s album.

Katin Burns

Katin Burns is a versatile musician, educator, and session drummer with deep roots in genres ranging from rock and metal to jazz and country.

Katin’s musical journey led him to Los Angeles, where he spent seven years working as a touring and session drummer for a wide range of artists. Katin plays in the group YAGO with Alex and Eric.

Kipp Lennon

Backing vocals. Member of the legendary group VENICE, Kipp has worked with David Crosby, Roger Waters and Ambrosia.

Kipp channelled his Mexican lineage for the brilliant ‘Mariachero’ vocals in See You After the Divorce.

Nadia DeLeye

Backing vocal – Actress Nadia has impressive musical credits including lead vocals for Sly & the Family Stone and The Wrecking Crew with Richard Niles.