Tom Kennedy

Who is Tom Kennedy?

Tom Kennedy is an American double-bass and electric bass player.

Tom Kennedy is the son of a professional trumpet player. He began playing acoustic bass at the age of 9 on a double-bass brought home by his older brother jazz pianist Ray Kennedy. Soon he began to perform with many nationally recognized artists passing through the Midwest. By his 18th birthday, had performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt, Stan Kenton, James Moody, Barney Kessel, Eddie Harris, George Russell, Nat Adderley, Peter Erskine, Bill Watrous and Freddie Hubbard, among others.

Kennedy specialized in acoustic jazz until his introduction to the electric bass at age 17. Soon he was dividing his time between mainstream jazz and progressive jazz fusion.

Kennedy relocated to New York City in 1984 and became involved in musical situations on both instruments. Tom’s east coast career expanded to include performances and recordings with such artists as Dave Weckl, Don Grolnick, Steve Kahn, Randy Brecker, Benny Green, Bucky Pizzarelli, Bill Connors, Al Di Meola, Mike Stern, Steve Ferrone and Junior Cook.