Tom Rizzo

With a style of playing influenced by such diverse musicians as Wes Montgomery, Pat Metheny, Jim Hall, Pat Martino, John McLaughlin, Eric Clapton, Gene Bertoncini, Steve Khan, Mike Stern and others, LA based guitarist and composer Tom Rizzo plays music from Gregorian Chant to BeBop, as well as pop, funk, folk, and world music. Originally a member of Doc Severinsen’s fusion group Xebron, Tom was also a regular member of the Tonight Show Band, and he composed much of the music heard on the show during his tenure.

His first album as a leader, “A Secret Garden,” features Peter Erskine, Bob Sheppard and Dave Carpenter. The second album, “Imaginary Numbers,” features Joe LaBarbera, Tom Warrington, Bob Sheppard, and Rich Eames, plus a “Birth of the Cool” horn section consisting of Tuba, French Horn, Trombone, Trumpet, and Soprano Sax, arranged by long time collaborator Nick Lane. 

The most recent album, Day and Night, features Steve Schaeffer on Drums, David Hughes on bass, and Dennis Hamm on piano. All albums are available on Spotify.

Tom has also recorded three albums with Maynard Ferguson, two with Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Band, and one with Doc and Xebron, which he also produced and composed the music for. 

His latest quartet features Kendall Kay on drums, Scott Breadman on percussion, and Ken Wild on bass. Tom writes the group’s material and the band performs regularly around the Los Angeles area.

Tom is also the founder of Plectrum Advisers LLC, a successful Wealth Management firm based in Los Angeles. He launched the firm specifically focused on the studio musician community with the premise of offering first-hand knowledge and insight designed to create a secure financial future. plectrumadvisers.com

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