Tom Kennedy is an accomplished touring and studio musician who ranks as one of the top acoustic and electric bass players in the world. His credits include performances and recordings with both mainstream legends and leading contemporary players.

Tom’s musical roots are on the Acoustic Bass, an instrument he started playing at age 9 and took to so naturally that within a few years he was performing with internationally known players such as Freddie Hubbard, James Moody, Nat Adderly, Sonny Stitt and Stan Kenton.

At age 17, Tom would create a musical alter ego when he began playing the Electric Bass. Intrigued by the endless possibilities of the instrument, he began developing his now signature style best described as deep, soulful grooves merging seamlessly into acrobatic, horn-like soloing.

Gaining a reputation that soon traveled beyond his native St. Louis, Tom relocated to New York, where he quickly gained work with multiple groups. Further accolades came through a recording with guitar great Bill Connors and tours with tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker in the world-renowned jazz fusion group Steps Ahead. Additional tours and recordings with Brazilian pianist Tania Maria and guitarist Al DiMeola followed.

In 1998, Tom became an integral part of Modern Drummer hall of famer Dave Weckl’s band, a group he toured, composed and recorded with for over nine years. Tom and Dave have continued to perform and record together on various projects for other artists, including Mike Stern, Didier Lockwood, Dave Grusin and Lee Ritenour.

Tom has also performed and recorded with top contemporary players Simon Philips, Steve Gadd, Frank Gambale, Steve Lukather, David Sanborn, Jeff Lorber, Ricky Lawson, Joe Sample and fusion band Planet X.

A frequent participant at major international jazz festivals, Tom’s list of credits includes Montrose, North Sea, the Paris and Nimes jazz festivals and many more. In-demand as a session artist, he is featured on over 200 recordings by a varied group of leading artists in both contemporary and mainstream jazz. He has released three solo CDs: Basses Loaded in 1996, a 2004 acoustic project with Mundell Lowe and Joe LaBarbera entitiled Bassics, and most recently Just for the Record in late 2011, featuring Dave Weckl, Mike Stern and Charles Blenzig.

LA Weekly writes that Tom’s playing is “nothing short of inspiring.” His reputation as a master of his craft is evident among fans worldwide.