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Tom Stark

Playing for the music, keeping it tight in the pocket

About Me

When I was young, I played with various trios and quartets. Got to be close friends with the late great JC Heard, what an inspiration for a young drummer. Got married and started a family, and 9 to 5 work became the norm. Then in 2009, changes at work made me long for something creative again, so I broke the kit back out. Then on 7/7/11 I was told I was stage 4 of a treatable, but incurable cancer, and decided to get serious about my music. And that I did. I am currently playing in 2 jazz quintets, and am cancer free for 17 months! Life is good, and jazz makes it as good as it can get! Laying back, keeping it in the pocket, and driving the band! Can't get any happier than that!

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My Jazz Story

I love jazz because...It is uniquely American music and it is just in my blood. I was first exposed to jazz...1964, Louis Armstrong's "Hello Dolly" I was 7 and LOVED that tune! I met [musician name]...The late Great JC Heard, drummer for count Bassie, Duke Elington, Teddy Williams, and many more. The best show I ever attended was... Buddy Rich Big Band in Concert The first jazz record I bought was... Red Nicholes and the 5 pennies My advice to new listeners... Relax and see where the music takes you.