FAIRLEA W.Va. (WVDN) – In 2018, Tom Brislin joined Kansas as keyboardist after David Manion’s departure. An internationally acclaimed musician, Brislin has always had an appreciation for music. “I have been hearing music and playing music for as long as I can remember,” he says. “The family piano was the center of entertainment, and my sisters were my first piano teachers. I always loved anything to do with rock or any music.”
Born in 1973, Tom recalls his greatest musical influences. “I really was raised on 70s rock, like Kansas, Yes, Foreigner, and Led Zeppelin. When I got a little bit older, I started discovering the radio and artists like Prince, Police and Men at Work,” Brislin says. “I always had a bit of both worlds in my music and my musical taste.”
It’s that diverse musical palette that landed Brislin on tour and performing with artists including Yes, Meat Loaf, Debbie Harry of Blondie and many others. Now as the keyboardist for Kansas, he is thankful to fans who cheer for them at every show. “It’s something that I’m really grateful for because it means we’re doing well as a band,” says Brislin. “It’s really rewarding, but there’s a different intensity depending on the crowd. You can be more intimate when the eyes and ears are closer. When I played with Meat Loaf, he told me to play to the entire arena and include everyone in the performance.”
One fan recently remarked that “Even with all the lineup changes through the years, Kansas still sounds like Kansas” on Brislin’s Facebook page. When asked how they are able to recreate that iconic sound the band is known for, Tom said, “It starts with the fact that the band really does have a signature sound. It’s our job as the new guys to keep that spirit alive. I have a respect for the music, and I want to keep that energy going.”
As a songwriter himself, Brislin finds inspiration everywhere. “For writing, a lot of times it’s about paying attention to having an idea when it’s happening and getting that down,” he says. “The trick is not to assume I’m going to remember it. In a way, you get inspired out of thin air, but you have to keep cultivating that idea whether or not you are inspired.” Being a musician is an art form that Brislin takes very seriously. “I really like the fact that I can create something out of nothing,” he admits. “Literally, there’s silence, and I can create a song, a mood, an atmosphere. I hope to be able to create something that can be a memory for other people.”
Speaking of memories, Tom Brislin believes music is a powerful tool in that respect and one that has the ability to capture a specific moment in time. “Sometimes the song just happens to be on the radio when something major is happening in your life,” Brislin says. “It’s easy to make those correlations. When you become a fan of a band or an album, that song may just be in your head when something happens in your life,” he adds. “We take that seriously. I think about hearing these songs and taking a person back to a special time in their life.”
When asked about his most memorable moment on stage, Brislin was quick to credit his fans with that honor. “I think once I joined Kansas and started touring, being so welcomed by the fan base as a true member of the band is something that I’ll never forget for sure.” As fans leave the show, Brislin wants them to walk away with an overall good feeling. “We want everyone to have a good time, but also to be fulfilled as music fans,” he admits. “Get the body moving, but also the heart and mind.”
Speaking of getting the body moving, one specific song is at the top of Brislin’s list to perform. “I love ‘Song for America,’ he says. “Not just because it has juicy keyboard bits; it’s just so uplifting, powerful and full of flavor.”
When asked what people might be surprised to know about him, Tom paused for a moment to think. With a smile, he responded. “Well, I have been touring as a keyboard player for so long, they may be surprised to know that I’m also a singer.” In his free time, Brislin continues to enjoy music. “It’s because that’s what I enjoy doing most,” he admits. “I have a studio at home and I just want to create as much as possible.”
Like most of us, Brislin is thankful for the important things life has to offer. As for what brings him the most joy and that for which he is most grateful, Tom replied, “It’s simple, really. Good health, family, friends and a lot of music.”
With the West Virginia State Fair just around the corner, Brislin extends an invitation and thanks to Kansas fans. “I hope they’ll come and see what we’re up to in this latest Kansas incarnation,” he says. “I thank the fans for sticking with us through the lineup changes and I’m happy they’re still on board with what we do.”
