Shem Thomas Old Capitol Langenthal - 25.03.2022

For a while Thomas Kühnis aka Shem Thomas had lost his way. There was just too much noise in his head. He knew he had to change something. So Shem Thomas quit his job in his early 30s, sold his belongings and moved into the forest. He lived there as a hermit for almost a year. But luckily Shem Thomas found his way back and is on the Old Capitol stage this Friday night with his new album “8” with him. He tells about this special time and his journey up to here. And he brings a special guest that I didn’t expect at all.

As a hermit in the forest

Bathed in yellow light, Shem Thomas stands with drummer Stee Gfeller (Zibbz, Gölä, Büezerbuebe) and pianist Dimitri Kindle (Pegasus, Michael von der Heide, Blay) on stage this night. They start with gentle sounds to “Old Fairy Road”. This is immediately followed by the beautiful “Miracle”. They are Shem Thomas’ musical tales of his return home, his return to music. His new album “8” is dedicated to this special time.

Well, it’s been a while since Shem Thomas got back to music. It was 2014 when he practically came out of the woods onto The Voice Of Switzerland stage and took 2nd place in Stefanie Heinzmann’s team. With the final song “Crossroads” he even knocked Pharrell Williams (“Happy”) off the chart throne and reached gold status. His album “You’re (not) the only one” reached number 2. He sings it that evening in the middle of the audience – only he, his voice and guitar.

During the production of the new album, it was particularly important to Shem Thomas to find a good mix. Tonight we got a good mix and therefore a varied concert in Langenthal. Beautiful ballads like Cat Steven’s “Father & Son”, “Feather On The Wind” or the new “Spirit”, with electronic influences. For “Valley” drummer Stee & pianist Dimitri deliver a beatboxing/drum battle. Shem Thomas even raps to “Click I like”. He used to be not only in a punk band, but also a rapped.

Very special guests

Shem Thomas invited very special guests for his reggae title “Just a little”. I would never have guessed them either: The 5th class of the primary school in Hägendorf (near Olten) stands a little nervously on stage with the band. Their teacher is a big Shem Thomas fan and sent him the coverversion of the class. So he has now invited them to be on stage with him at the Old Capitol. But it doesn’t stop with one song. Finally, the whole class celebrates the grande finale with Shem Thomas on “Do it”.

Of course, the enthusiastic audience doesn’t just let Shem Thomas and his two fellow musicians go. There must be an encore. So at the end there is the song “Oma” – a song in his native language Rheintalisch, English and ‘Shemisch’. The concert ends as gently and beautifully as it began. A really nice and soothing evening for heart and soul.

Also want to see Shem Thomas live? The next concert dates can be found under www.shemthomas.com.
Go have a listen!