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Thomas Walbum

Jazz Pianist

About Me

In November 2002, Thomas Walbum (b. 1965 in Copenhagen, Denmark) released his first album as leader. The album 'Boston' features two veterans of the American jazz scene - drummer Joe Hunt and bassist John Lockwood. This album was the culmination of a three-year period spent in the United States, mainly in Boston. Here Thomas built up a reputation for himself as an active performer on the jazz scene following the formation of the Thomas Walbum Trio and Quartet.

The music on Walbum's album is an intriguing blend of Scandinavian and American jazz traditions. It also shows clear traces of the blues roots in Thomas' playing. The music is warm, vibrant and instantly appealing, while satisfying the more demanding listener with the depth and complexity of the harmonic language and compositional structure.

BOUND FOR BOSTON Going to America to experience the land where jazz was born had always been one of Thomas' greatest dreams, and in 1998 he decided to make it happen. He figured that taking a jazz course would be a sure way to meet talented, dedicated musicians so he applied at a number of top American jazz institutions. He previously completed a Bachelor of Music degree at The Rhythmic Conservatory of Music in Copenhagen, Denmark. His teachers there included Horace Parlan, Ed Thigpen, Butch Lazy and Joergen Emborg. Thomas was also a selected performer in master classes held by Michel Camilo, Ray Brown, and John Scofield, among others.

After receiving letters of acceptance into several schools in the US Thomas decided to attend the Jazz Masters program (MMJ) offered by The Boston Conservatory in collaboration with the Berklee College of Music. Thomas received substantial financial assistance and awards from both schools, as well as from sponsors at home in Denmark.

Heading over to Boston, he found himself in a stimulating, creative musical environment, bursting with energy. He met musical talents from all over the world, holding jam sessions night and day. The famous American optimism matched with the 'just do it!' mentality was extremely motivating and certainly got the creative juices flowing. Thomas quickly hooked up with various local performing groups and ensembles, and was also a selected soloist at the Spoleto Piccolo Festival in South Carolina.

THE TRIO IS BORN In Boston he met two outstanding musicians with whom he would later form the Thomas Walbum Trio and record the album 'Boston' - jazz veterans and Berklee faculty members, Joe Hunt and John Lockwood;

Joe Hunt has recorded and performed with many of the jazz giants, such as Bill Evans, Stan Getz, Jim Hall, Gary Burton, Barry Harris and George Russell. He has been Professor of Percussion at the Berklee College of Music since 1971. He is also the author of “52nd Street Beat - In-Depth Profiles of Modern Jazz Drummers 1945-1965”.

John Lockwood has performed and toured with such jazz notables as Joe Henderson, Gary Burton, Freddie Hubbard, Benny Carter, Toots Thielemans, Stan Getz, Pat Metheny, and Dizzy Gillespie. He has also concertized with leading orchestras such as the Boston Pops and the Buffalo Philharmonic. He is a long- standing member of the prominent avant-garde jazz ensemble, The Fringe. He is a faculty member of the Berklee College of Music.

“Meeting drummer Joe Hunt was a real turning point - we clicked straight away and when we decided to get together and play, a new musical door opened for me. It was a privilege to be in the company of someone who had played with Bill Evans, Stan Getz, and so many of my other jazz heroes”.

About meeting bass player John Lockwood, Thomas says “The first time I heard John Lockwood play, I was immediately struck by his distinctive sound and musical integrity. He swings hard and is always exploring new musical horizons and breaking boundaries. His playing, like his personality, is down to earth and absolutely honest, but highly individualistic, and inventive”.

THE CD All this stimulation and cross fertilization led to an overwhelming desire to make the CD, and a tribute to the his experience in the States. Having been involved in many recordings as a sideman, it was definitely time to step out as leader of his own project.

His CD was accepted for release by the jazz label Music Mecca, and internationally renowned Danish artist Per Arnoldi generously offered to make the cover artwork, as he liked the album so much!

Being extremely happy with the outcome of the recording Thomas remarks: “Playing with musicians like Joe and John was a joy ride with all the thrills and none of the spills. Sharing the experience of making music with great people and great musicians is really what it's all about for me, and this recording is a tribute to that”.