The Blue Sea Above are fast becoming regulars in the Dunedin music scene. Dean Hollebon and Tom Bolton's live shows combine energetic violin improvisation with solidly crafted and strongly melodic songwriting. Dean’s virtuosic, ethereal, and intuitive violin mastery - drawing on decades of orchestral performance - blends beautifully with Tom’s easy style – sweet earthy vocals and compelling guitar rhythms.
Dean Hollebon has been a member of the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra for over 40 years. He is the conductor of the Dunedin Collegiate Orchestra, and has conducting and teaching roles at Saturday Morning Music Classes, as well as offering private violin tuition. He is a member of the Southern Consort of Voices. He loves making music and savours every performance, finding music expressive, transformative, and immersive. He relishes exploring a different and creative side of music with Tom in The Blue Sea Above.
Tom Bolton has been playing his original music both solo and in various line-ups for more than 20 years. His songwriting ranges widely, from the time-honoured basics of three chords and the truth, to song structures and progressions that explore unexpected and rewarding new territory. His voice reaches out in a dynamic conversation with his guitar playing, with range and power that still allow for the human vulnerability and essential positivity at the heart of his lyrics.
