Tom Dempsey

Tom Dempsey is a solid mainstream jazz guitarist and composer and an active music educator. His style encompasses historic influences such as Wes Montgomery and Grant Green, as well as modern figures such as John Abercrombie and John Scofield. Dempsey did his undergraduate work at Rutgers University, earning a degree in 1991. He went on to complete graduate studies at the Manhattan School of Music in 1996. Since then, Dempsey has worked with the likes of Kenny Barron, Roy Haynes, Jack McDuff, and Dave Brubeck, in addition to his own groups. He's also done session work for TV and radio.

Dempsey teaches at the State University of New York at New Paltz and directs the annual Jazz Summit at the National Guitar Workshop. He is the author of Classic Jazz Styles for Guitar, published by Alfred Music. His debut CD, Blues in the Slope, was released in 1998. A new release is forthcoming for spring of 2001. ~ David R. Adler, Rovi