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Tom Grant, master instrumentalist,
talented singer and natural entertainer nimbly walks the line between jazz
tradition and modern pop. This soft-spoken Oregon native's inspired
songwriting produces propulsive R&B grooves, infectious melodic hooks, and
stylish ballads with equal ease. He plays jazz piano with the harmonic
sophistication and deep sense of swing that only comes from more than
three decades on the bandstand. At the same time, his recordings have
consistently landed at the top of the Smooth Jazz charts, a genre of music
Tom helped pioneer in the mid-80s.
As the Pacific Northwest's most renowned musical artist, Tom Grant's
career achievements reflect his unique ability to embrace the full
spectrum of contemporary music.
Born to show business parents, Tom was at home with many musical
instruments, but always returned to the piano. At a tender age, he was
taught to play piano and drums by his tap dancer father. Later, he learned
about music styles listening to music at his father's record store in
Portland, Oregon. His brother, an avant-garde jazz pianist, who would
later go on to found the worldwide Hare Krishna movement, introduced him
to the many different facets of jazz music. After graduating from the
University of Oregon and a short stint as a high school teacher, Tom
answered his musical calling. Native American saxophonist Jim Pepper took
Tom to New York in 1970 to record the chant classic Witchi-tai-to. After
that, he toured and recorded with such jazz greats as Woody Shaw, Joe
Henderson, Charles Lloyd and Tony Williams.
Since 1983, Tom’s records have repeatedly topped the Smooth Jazz charts.
Several, including the popular Mango Tango, Night Charade, In My Wildest
Dreams, and The View from Here, enjoyed lengthy stays at Number One.
His recent tours of Japan and Indonesia attest to his popularity in Asia.
He has been featured on CNN and has been a guest on the Tonight Show with
Jay Leno.
His compositions are also used in TV and Films worldwide. Recently, Tom
has delved more deeply into the world of music for film. Working primarily
on documentaries and independent films, Tom’s touch can add magic to a
soundtrack.
In his hometown of Portland OR, Tom is well known for his work with
charitable organizations with numerous appearances through the years at
charity events and on charity compilation CD’s.
In 2001, Tom started recording on his own record label, Nu-Wrinkle
Records. After nearly 35 years of recording on various labels (Windham
Hill, Verve, Shanachie, PAUSA, Gaia, WMOT, Timeless International, Chase
Music) he felt it was time to explore the world of self-produced music. He
currently has seven releases on this label.
For a broader look at Tom Grant’s world, go to
www.tomgrant.com.
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