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Tom Zygmont
Zygmont’s drumming is the heartbeat of his narrative—sometimes explosive, sometimes delicate, always driving the groove.
About Me
Tom Zygmont’s debut album Lumina Way is extraordinary—multi-faceted and brilliantly performed — making a lasting impact unlike most contemporary jazz albums in recent memory. Recorded live at the legendary Sunset Sound in Hollywood, Lumina Way brings together some of Los Angeles’ finest musicians for a true celebration of sound, soul, and craft. The album was recorded live by Kenji Nakai. In addition to the aforementioned Brandon Fields and Terry Wollman, includes guitarists James Zota Baker, Jennifer Batten and Sid Jacobs; percussionists Leon Mobley, Luis Conte and MB Gordy; pianist Ron Walters, Jr.; bassist Abraham Laboriel Sr.; trumpeter/flugelhornist Wayne Bergeron; harmonica virtuoso Tollak Ollestad; harpist Stephanie Bennet; and vocalist Melanie Taylor. The album was mixed by Peter Kelsey, whose credits including Elton John, Jean-Luc Ponty and Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward. Zygmont’s long musical journey has shaped every moment of this record. Since arriving in Los Angeles in 1979 to pursue his dreams, he has built an eclectic and respected career as a freelance drummer for both stage and studio. Over the years, he’s performed with an impressive roster of cultural icons, including Chuck Mangione, Maxine Andrews (The Andrews Sisters), Johnny Mathis, Julio Iglesias, Shirley Jones, Spencer Davis, Maureen McGovern, Martha Raye, Carol Channing, Florence Henderson, John Raitt, Adrienne Barbeau, and Bobby Kimball (Toto). His drumming is the heartbeat of his narrative—sometimes explosive, sometimes delicate, always driving the groove. In addition to his work on stage and in the studio, Zygmont has performed in countless musical theatre productions. Recent credits include Rent, Chess, Into the Woods, and Little Shop of Horrors, a testament to his continued creative drive and versatility. Beyond the drum kit, Zygmont spent 24 years at Remo Drums, where he played a key role in product development and innovation, ultimately earning a patent for one of his process inventions. As Director of Graphics and Lamination—and a frequent collaborator in Research & Development—he worked closely with artists and tech teams behind the sounds of Michael Jackson, Van Halen, Whitney Houston, Rush, Ringo Starr, Def Leppard, Ozzy Osbourne, Chicago, and Wings. Now, with Lumina Way, Zygmont steps into the spotlight with the energy, joy, and freedom of an artist whose love for music has only deepened over time. He and his ensemble play like kids, really— proof that time, in their case, hasn’t dulled anything. If anything, it’s sharpened the focus.
