Tom Kennedy – Bass

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 with 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 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 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 Phillips, Steve Gadd, Frank Gambale, Steve Lukather, David Sanborn, Jeff Lorber, Ricky Lawson, Joe Sample and fusion band Planet X.

Tom has released seven CDs as a leader: Basses Loaded in 1996, featuring Ray Kennedy, Dave Weckl and Tania Maria, Bassics in 2004 featuring Mundell Lowe and Joe LaBarbera, Just for the Record in 2011, featuring Dave Weckl and Mike Stern, Just Play! in 2013 featuring Mike Stern, Renee Rosnes and George Garzone, and Points of View in 2017, featuring Lee Ritenour and Bill Evans. 

Tom’s last three releases are entitled Stories (2021), New Start (2023), and The Summit (2026), featuring his original compositions and arrangements, along with an all star cast of musicians.

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.

(biographical details from artist’s website Tom Kennedy Music)

The tune is one of those classic Mike Stern chromatic tunes, this one called ‘Whatchacallit’ from the 2017 album, ‘Trip’. Kennedy sounds like he is going through an octave divider so I might have put the transcription into the wrong octave but I think it’s ok. Nasty ready as there are inevitably a mass of accidentals as the bass part on this one is chromatic also. The saving grace is that the piece repeats (no bass solo) so you have many chances to get a hold of what is happening. A few run through and you should get it.