Tommy Gearhart, jazz crooning vocalist, originally hails from the Greater Detroit area via Toledo, Ohio and now calls Albuquerque, New Mexico his home. Tommy has learned his trade at the feet of legends in the jazz scene. Called an emerging “young lion” by those in his industry, Tommy is young and creative, with unique spins on an age-old tradition. Deeply rooted in the blues and Detroit swing feel, he effectively interjects that great foundation into a modern day approach. Though Tommy's performances cannot escape being compared to greats such as Tony Bennett, Mark Murphy, and Harry Connick, Jr., he has developed his own unique style - It integrates an honest, traditional approach with utmost respect to the melody and lyrics, along with tasteful, heartfelt jazz phrasing that is best summed up by legendary jazz vocalist/lyricist, Jon Hendricks - "Everything that comes from Tommy Gearhart's mouth and heart is the truth." From Gershwin and the Great American Songbook, to jazz standards, to penning original lyrics to some not-so-standard jazz tunes and scatting like no one his age - Tommy is quite a versatile, soulful, and talented vocalist.
Gearhart has performed at venues in music festivals and jazz clubs around the US, Canada, and has shared the stage with many fantastic musicians such as the legendary father of Vocalese and 7 time Grammy Award winner, Jon Hendricks, trombonist, Delfeayo Marsalis, late legendary tenor saxophonist, Donald Walden, members of Harry Connick, Jr.'s Big Band (tenor saxophonist, Jerry Weldon, trumpeter, Derrick Gardner, baritone saxophonist, Dave Schumacher, bassist, Neil Caine), members of Michael Buble's band, and many more. Standing at six feet, five inches tall adds an even greater presence to his already dynamic, and charming personality.
Recently, Tommy Gearhart received the prestigious honor of being appointed by Governor Bill Richardson as a Commissioner on the New Mexico Music Commission which preserves, cultivates, and grows music in New Mexico. A few fellow notable commissioners are Dr. Lee Berk who is the President Emeritus of Berklee College of Music in Boston (1979-2004), and country music star, Randy Travis. In addition, Tommy is also very passionate about giving back to the community, and serves on the Leadership Board on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and he donates his time and talent to other causes such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
By Robert Eldred