Some players and bands I am currently working with:
BAND1=RED SHIFT Members=Quin Kirchner-drums Matthew Golombisky-bass Matt McClimon-vibraphone BAND2=STEPHEN WALKER AND THE FEW CHOSEN Members=Stephen Walker-trombone Damien Erskine-Bass(Peter's nephew) Drew Shoals-drums Dan Gaynor-Keyboards Farnell Newton-trumpet Devin Phillips-sax BAND3=DEVIN PHILLIPS FUNK ENSEMBLE Members=Devin Phillips-sax Al Criado-bass Mark Diflorio-drums Chuck Barber-percussion BAND4=INDIGO Chuck Barber-percussion TO BE CONT...
Tom began piano lessons at age 6. Growing up in a musical family, which included a vocal performing/music teaching mother, he was exposed to many different styles of music from a young age. Tom began guitar lessons at the age of 14 after witnessing a "Metallica Concert Debauchery" (1991). Tom's love of guitar and music led to explorations in many different styles. Eventually, Tom earned a degree in classical guitar performance at The University of Wyoming. While studying there he was exposed to musician/teachers including Manuel Barrueco, The Assad Brothers, Paul Odette, and Bela Fleck. Tom then moved to New Orleans to explore his interest in African American Music, and to study with the jazz guitar great, Steve Masakowski. Tom received a full graduate assistantship to the University of New Orleans, and completed his Masters of Jazz Studies in 2003. While studying there, Tom was exposed to many world-class jazz musicians/teachers including; Terrence Blanchard, Mulgrew Miller, Howard Alden, Larry Coryell, Lee Konitz, Stephan Harris, and Carl Allen. In 2002 Sandahl was accepted to The Thelonious Monk Institute Jazz Aspen Summer Program. There he studied with Russell Malone, Wallace Roney, Christian McBride, and Lewis Nash.
Tom's professional career began at 16, when he was first paid in beer to play a high school "kegger" . Since then, he has played guitar or keyboard at many different venues, with several different bands, in widely contrasting styles. Between 1997-2001, Tom toured with is own band throughout the Wyoming/Colorado area. The Tom Sandahl Band mixed traditional New Orleans Jazz with Funk and R&B. He also performed Solo Classical Guitar for every occassion, from weddings and coffee shops, to concert halls. In August 2001, Sandahl's musical journey took him to New Orleans, LA. Once there, He was immediately immeresed in the music scene, and began playing many gigs that didn't pay much. Eventually Sandahl was making some money as a sideman, and leading "backround music society" gigs all over town. One of Tom's creative projects in New Orleans was leading The Tom Sandahl Quartet every monday night at "The Funky Butt" for almost 2 years (2002-2004). He also performs his original music in the band Red Shift (2002-2006).
After Hurricane Katrina flooded Tom and his lovely wife Kirsten's house, they relocated to Portland, Oregon. Things have been going good there, and Tom is working steady with 4 different groups. He is also still performing with his band RedShift. They did a small tour of the Pacific Northwest in February 2006, and performed in New Orleans in Late April 2006. RedShift is currently working on a new album. Hopefully done in 2006.
yo whats goin on Tom? hows life up in OR? you gotta hit me up next time youre back in socal, well go shoot some hoops like the good ol days! tell Kirsten i said hello too!
Hey, just wanted to let you know I'm playing this saturday with my newest group Eleven Eyes playing some funk/jazz/electronic grooves at the Fez Ballroom, opening up for Flowmotion! Our set is 9:00-10:30, $10, 21+.
Hey Two Strokes! Long time no talk. Are you headed out this way anytime this summer or do I need to go to Prtland to meet the little one? Or maybe she could come visit me on the ugg express.
Hey Tom! I'll be flying into Portland on the 15th and classes will start around the 23-ish. Hopefully we can hook up at some point! I want to hear you play!
Hey Tom, We just took a mountain bike ride at Happy Jack, flowers, butterflys, we gotta go swimmin' again this summer. Lookin' forward to your WY visit if you get a chance. Hi to Kirsten and Julianna. PQ
