Tom has always had diverse musical interests and has been influenced by many genres from Bach to R.E.M. Tom took a keen interest in traditional folk music while still in high school in the early 70's, idolizing Doc Watson, John Hartford, the Red Clay Ramblers He also took a keen interest in instrumental fingerstyle guitar, revering such artists as Leo Kottke, John Renbourn, John Fahey, Bert Jansch