Tom Conway

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I grew up in the Detroit area playing classic rock, blues and jazz. My first band was in fifth grade and I began playing guitar at age nine. I moved to Maui when I was 18 and have spent a large portion of my life here. In between then and now I have lived in Los Angeles (twice) , New York and Toronto, Canada. All are wonderful places but Maui is my favorite!
I have been very fortunate to study privately with some of the best guitarists in the world, all of whom made a lasting impact on me not only because they are incredible musicans but also because they are such fine people. My heartfelt thanks to Jorge Strunz of Strunz & Farah who gave me so much of his time and expertise - you haven't heard a guitar duo if you haven't heard Strunz & Farah! Jazz guitar legend Ted Greene was also a big inspiration and the world lost a musical giant with his untimely passing recently. Ted was one of the kindest and most intelligent musicians I've ever met.
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For the last few years I have been the lead guitarist for Gypsy Pacific on Maui and I'm very fortunate to be in the company of great musicians and close friends. Gypsy Pacific primarily plays gypsy jazz which is hot, acoustic style jazz inspired by the great gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt.
I also teach guitar four days a week at Bounty Music on Maui.
Our bass player Marcus Johnson has performed with many jazz greats over the years and is a solid all around musician who has an extensive library of tunes at his command in many genres.
Violinist Willy Wainwright has toured with top Nashville performers all over the US and Europe. As the band spokesman during live shows Willy keeps everyone entertained with his quick wit and genuine, unassuming style. Willy also leads Maui's top country rock band with his wife/vocalist Jennifer Weatherly.
Phil Benoit holds down the demanding rhythm guitar chair and also has Benoit Jazz Works with his wife Angie as his main act. Phil's older sibling David Benoit is well known in jazz circles with top selling albums and tours.
Of course individually we play all kinds of gigs to make ends meet but you can catch us 'live' at Mulligan's every Monday night from 7 - 9 pm. This is the gig that really challenges us as players physically and mentally - we love it! ..