Autumn Hill Records is pleased to announce the March 22nd release of Tom Kennedy’s New Start. Autumn Hill Records is a worldwide leader in instrumental music, boasting 11 billion streams and counting, and Tom Kennedy ranks as one of the top electric and acoustic bass players on the planet. The new album features the Grammy-winning and Modern Drummer Hall of Famer Dave Weckl, as well as performances from Eric Marienthal, Randy Brecker, Mike Stern, Bill Evans and others. It is the sixth solo album from Tom Kennedy. New Start will be available digitally on all major streaming and download platforms March 22nd, 2024.
Kennedy writes that “the legendary pianist Keith Jarrett once said of his recorded music, ‘If there were words to express it, there would be no need for the music.’ Ironically, Keith’s sentiment provided the perfect verbiage for describing the process I’ve experienced in creating the music for this album. These compositions did not come to me in complete thoughts, but rather as bits and pieces of melody, harmony, or rhythm to build from, much as in a live improvisation. A single note or chord could inspire a pathway to a new section or critical transition of a song, and at times a completely orchestrated idea would just pop into my head. No method, no foresight…just the music.”
Kennedy’s musical roots were 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 Adderley, 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 City, 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 of Tom’s own albums as well as projects for other artists, including Mike Stern, Didier Lockwood, Dave Grusin and Lee Ritenour. They’ve been performing this music live for the last two years during tours of The Dave Weckl/Tom Kennedy Project.
Praise for Tom Kennedy and New Start:
“Tom Kennedy (‘My brother from another mother’) and I have been playing and making music together since we were 15 years old. ‘New Start’ is the latest documentation of the deep chemistry and love we share for music. Playing on and mixing this record was such an extreme pleasure. Tom is not only one of the greatest bass players of our time but a fabulous composer as well. I hope you enjoy our presentation!”
Dave Weckl – Grammy-winning and Modern Drummer Hall of Fame drummer
“Tommy Kennedy is one of the finest bass players and composers in contemporary music and one of the most in-demand bass players in the world. His writing style is unique and personal. Tommy is in a class all his own. A rare breed.”
Bill Evans – Grammy-nominated saxophonist (Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Mick Jagger)
“…he makes the instrument talk…”
The Jazz Writer
“Kennedy’s one of the best, winning you over as a great team player who happens to lead sessions once in awhile to everyone’s satisfaction.”
Jazz Weekly
By: Bass Magazine