Guitarist Tom Dempsey's reputation in the New York jazz scene for hard swinging sophistication and pure musicality have made him a distinct voice in the New York Jazz Scene. In recent years Tom has performed and/or recorded with a virtual "Who's Who" of world renowned jazz musicians including: Wynton Marsalis, Paquito DRivera, Jim Hall, John Abercrombie, John Scofield, Tal Farlow, Buddy Montgomery, George Coleman, Kenny Barron, Roy Haynes, Jack McDuff, Bobby McFerrin, Gerald Wilson, Mel Torme, Muhal Richard Abrams, and Dave Brubeck. He has recorded seven CDs as a leader: "Waltz New"(Origin Records), "Saucy" (Planet Arts Records), "Beautiful Friendship" (Planet Arts Records), "Whats Going On" (City Tone Records), "Perspectives" (Imaginary Records), "Blues in the Slope" (Igmod Records), "If Only We Knew" (Self Release). Tom has also recorded as a sideman on many recordings. Since 1992, Tom has been performing as a leader and a sideman at some of the top jazz venues throughout the world including the JVC Jazz Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center, San Francisco Jazz Festival, The Blue Note, Yoshis, Smalls and Smoke. In 2012 Dempsey performed on behalf of the United States State Department as a Music Ambassador throughout the country of Tunisia.
Dempsey has worked extensively with tap dancing virtuoso Savion Glover in "Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Funk" as well as in live concerts. He has made numerous appearances on New York radio and television including performances on "The Rosie ODonnell Show" and the HBO series "Sex and the City." Tom is an Artist Endorsee for Thomastik-Infeld Strings
Along with his active performing career, Tom Dempsey's talent as a composer is receiving noteworthy attention. Because of his distinctive sound and style, Dempsey's music has been described as having "fine compositional ability and stylistic accessibility." His music has been featured on his recordings as well as television and radio programs throughout the world including the HBO hit series "Sex and the City."
Tom's deep commitment to education has made him a highly sought-after educator and clinician. He is a member of the teaching faculty at Jazz at Lincoln Center, The New York Jazz Academy and CUNY City College of New York. Dempsey is also a Professor of Music at CUNY LaGuardia Community College where he serves as the Director of the Music Performance Program. His books "Jazz Eras for Guitar," "Easy Soloing for Jazz Guitar," "Guitar 101 Books 1 and 2," "Sight-Reading for the Contemporary Guitarist" and "Classic Jazz Styles for Guitar" are available through Alfred Music and Workshop Arts.
In 2011 Dempsey became a teaching artist with TrueFire. He has produced seven critically acclaimed videos entitled "Jazz Comping Playbook," "30 Jazz Progressions You Must Know," "Jazz Scales Handbook," "30 Jazz Arpeggio Licks You Must Know," "50 Licks of the Jazz Guitar Masters That You Must Know," "50 Licks of the Soul Jazz Guitar Masters That You Must Know" and "Fretboard Phenom." He also co-produced and was the musical consultant for "Nature of Guitar" by Pat Martino.
"I love his playing. Great Tunes, terrific solos and careful listening, Tom Dempsey does it all and swings."
Jim Hall - Guitarist
"Tom's great improvisation and melodic interpretations simply sparkle and are played with wonderful groove, sometimes biting, sometimes bluesy, always on the money."
Gene Bertoncini - Guitarist
"...inventive, straight ahead and swinging. (Dempsey) shows how creative the modern mainstream of jazz remains in the 21st century.
Scott Yanow - Jazz Journalist/Author
"...straight ahead modern jazz with a bluesy soulful tinge...a vivaciousness to the music that keeps drawing attention."
Dale Smoak - Cadence Magazine
"A fine guitarist with versatility, chops, and emotive depth."
David R. Adler - All Music Guide
"The groove is always present and the solos are melodic. Dempseys sound is clear and full."
Eric Elias - Just Jazz Guitar.
"(Dempsey) provides a superb overview of the jazz guitars varied sounds.
Andy Ellis - Guitar Player Magazine
