Tom Dempsey

For more than fifteen years, Tom Dempsey’s reputation in the New York jazz scene for excellence, sophistication and artistry has, and continues to receive widespread acclaim. In recent years Tom has performed and/or recorded with a virtual "Who’s Who" of world renowned jazz musicians including: Jim Hall, John Abercrombie, John Scofield, Tal Farlow, Buddy Montgomery, George Coleman, Kenny Barron, Roy Haynes, Jack McDuff, Gerald Wilson, Mel Torme, Richard Wyands, Muhal Richard Abrams, and Dave Brubeck. He has recorded three CDs as a leader: Perspectives (Imaginary Records), Blues In The Slope (Igmod Records/TJD Music), If Only We Knew (TJD Music). Tom has also recorded as a sideman on many recordings. Since 1992, Tom has been performing as a leader and a sideman at some of the top jazz venues throughout the world. In June of 2003 Dempsey completed a world tour with tap dancing virtuoso Savion Glover. He has made numerous appearances on New York radio and television including performances on The Rosie O’Donnell Show, the HBO series Sex and the City, and WQXR radio. Dempsey has also performed for many Broadway shows including Bring In ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk, The Lion King, Aida, Beauty and the Beast, and Mama Mia. Tom is an Artist Endorsee for Yamaha Guitars and J.Demonte Guitars from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Along with his active performing career, Tom Dempsey’s talent as a composer is receiving noteworthy attention. Because of his distinctive sound and style Dempsey’s music has been described as having "fine compositional ability and stylistic accessibility." His music has been featured on his three CDs as well as television and radio programs throughout the world including the HBO hit series Sex and the City. Tom received his Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University in May 1991. In May 1996, he acquired his Masters Degree in Jazz/Commercial Music at Manhattan School of Music. Tom’s deep commitment to education has made him a highly sought after educator and clinician. In recent years he has been teaching in the Jazz Studies program at SUNY New Paltz, working as a Visiting Lecturer at Rutgers University, and as Artistic Director of the Jazz Summit at the National Guitar Workshop. His books Sight-Reading for the Contemporary Guitarist and Classic Jazz Styles for Guitar are available through Alfred Music and Workshop Arts. Emerging from the tradition established by Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Grant Green and Jim Hall, Tom Dempsey is an exceptional talent with a distinctive sound.