Tom Glenne 5.5

The Tom Glenne 5.5 have been playing around Canada for the last 10 years, from Ottawa to Victoria and points in between. The band's approach is improvisational - the songs are delivered differently night to night, tailored to the room, crowd, and mood. They can perform electric or acoustic sets, suitable for a wide range of venues and audiences.

"The Tom Glenne 5.5 are one of Toronto's most
entertaining live bands"

- Judy Perly, owner, Free Times Cafe

In the spring of 2005 the band recorded a ten-song CD which shows their modern blues sound. Dedicated to the memory of Half Full's wonderful drummer Fulvio Bolletta, the CD was recorded with no overdubs or edits, and highlights the bands emotional range and improvisational skills in a live context. For this recording the band consisted of Tom Glenne, Paul Kolinski (Silent Five), Betty Dimo (Broadband, One Bitch Band) and Todd Harrison (Trucks Leaving, Theresa's Sound-World).

"Witty, funny, sad and heartfelt all at once."

-The Atkinsonian

Born and raised in Victoria BC and making his debut as a singer/songwriter on the University of Victoria's radio station (CFUV) in 1987, Tom Glenne has been performing in bars and halls, and on radio and TV for nearly twenty years. His range of material and engaging stage personality has lead to collaborations with Leela Gilday, Lindy, Trucks Leaving, Lori Cullen, Half Full, Rich Lowenberg, Greg Buhr (The Manvils), Gabe Mantle (Gob), Laura Fernandez, Big Rude Jake, Wakefield Brewster and Shawn Whitney, as well as a long-standing duo partnership with blues/folk standout Noah Zacharin. His song "God Invented the Weekend" is included on Darn Folksingers, the benefit CD for Toronto's longest running coffee-house, Fat Albert's, and Silent Five recorded his song "Impatient One" on their CD Lost at Sea.

"An impressive variety of songs, nicely offset by some fine covers."

-The Martlet

Tom has hosted the Yonge St roots stage for the City of Toronto Festival and spent years as a host, booker, and performer at venues like the Free Times Cafe, Oasis and Tranzac Club, as well as special events like the Origins Recording Series, The Lost Carnival, and Moon and Sun. He has toured across Canada with Leela Gilday and Jeff Stone, is the semi-regular host for the annual Bob Dylan tribute at the Free Times Cafe (Toronto's best folk music venue - Now magazine), and the 5.5 are the regular after-party band for the Vancouver Island Music awards. He has taught a course on song writing at the Open Learning Agency, has had many private students, and composed and performed the soundtrack to the short film The Gift.
"Open stage, concert, or tribute - Tom Glenne has shown himself a natural host and performer - always creating a good vibe with the listeners. I'm always glad when Tom's in Toronto - he helps sell a lot of beer."

- Ryan Ayukawa, Open Concept Productions

FullSpectrumOttawa.com has this to say about Free Rock:

"Glenne writes a good song and with Betty Dimo's guitar, Todd Harrison's bass, and Paul Kolinski's drums, the band has two of the three elements that make for a great rock album"

The Tom Glenne 5.5's previous CD, White Soul, features many of Toronto's hottest musicians, including Vanessa John, Kat Goldman and pianist Dan Rusic, and reflects more of the band's roots-rock sound.

"It's a nice tape, it takes up very little space in my car"
- Mike Bullard

If you would like to purchase a copy of either CD, or contact us for booking, upcoming shows or more information, please email;

movetom@gmail.com