tom mcdermott

Biography

Tom McDermott, born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1957, is a renowned pianist and composer celebrated for his mastery of ragtime and New Orleans piano traditions. He began piano lessons at age seven, inspired by his mother and aunt, and was performing professionally by sixteen. After earning a Master of Music degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1982, McDermott worked briefly as a music journalist before relocating to New Orleans in 1984—a move that would define his career and musical identity.

Immersing himself in the vibrant musical culture of New Orleans, McDermott quickly became a fixture on the local scene, absorbing influences from legendary pianists like James Booker, Professor Longhair, and Dr. John. He played with the Dukes of Dixieland throughout the 1990s, touring internationally and recording several acclaimed albums. In 1994, he co-founded the innovative brass band New Orleans Nightcrawlers, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and inventive musician. McDermott's discography spans nearly twenty albums, traversing genres from traditional jazz and ragtime to Brazilian choro, and his compositions have been featured in theater, television, and film.

A prolific writer and educator, McDermott has lectured at institutions such as Harvard University and published a book of limericks. His legacy is marked by his dedication to preserving and expanding the traditions of New Orleans piano, his collaborations with a diverse array of artists, and his influence on both peers and younger generations of musicians.

Fun Facts

• McDermott appeared as himself in three seasons of HBO's 'Treme,' with ten of his compositions featured in the show's soundtrack.
• He is an accomplished limerick writer, publishing a book titled 'Five Lines, No Waiting' containing 176 limericks and his own drawings.
• McDermott has traveled extensively to Brazil, where he studied and recorded choro music, blending it with New Orleans jazz.
• He has written music for theater (including the Obie-winning 'Nita and Zita') and television (Showtime's 'The Knick').

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• James Booker - Stylistic influence; McDermott studied and absorbed Booker's New Orleans piano style after moving to the city. (General influence on McDermott's New Orleans repertoire) [1980s onward]
• Professor Longhair - Major inspiration; McDermott explored Longhair's unique rhythmic approach and incorporated it into his playing. (General influence on McDermott's New Orleans repertoire) [1980s onward]
• Scott Joplin - Early ragtime inspiration; McDermott was influenced by Joplin during the ragtime revival of his youth. (Learned and performed Joplin's rags) [1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Dukes of Dixieland - Band member; McDermott played piano, toured, and recorded with the group. (Multiple albums, including collaborations with Danny Barker) [1990–1995]
• New Orleans Nightcrawlers - Co-founder, arranger, and performer; innovative brass band blending traditional and modern styles. (Band albums and live performances) [1994 onward]
• Aurora Nealand - Frequent duo partner; performed and recorded together in New Orleans and beyond. (Duo performances and recordings) [2010s–present]
• Anders Osborne, John Boutte, Connie Jones - Duo collaborators on the album 'Duets', which won Offbeat's Album of the Year. ('Duets' (2009)) [2009]
• Evan Christopher, Rick Trolsen - Collaborators on Brazilian choro-inspired album 'Choro do Norte'. ('Choro do Norte' (2005)) [2004–2005]

Artists Influenced

• Aurora Nealand - Collaborative influence; McDermott's deep knowledge of New Orleans piano traditions has informed Nealand's own explorations. (Duo performances and recordings) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. New Orleans Blues (Treme: Music From The HBO Original Series, Season 1)
2. House of the Rising Sun (feat. Tom McDermott & Ysanne Spevack)
3. Heavy Henry (Treme: Music From The HBO Original Series - Season 2)
4. Tande Sak Fe Loraj Gwonde (Listen to the ONe Who Makes the Thunder Roar) (Almost Native)
5. Give Me a Pigfoot (Live) (Live at Luthjen's)
6. I'm so Lonesome I Could Cry (Live) (Live at Luthjen's)
7. The City of New Orleans (Live) (Live at Luthjen's)
8. Waltz for All Souls (Vieux Carré (The French Quarter) - Sounds of New Orleans)
9. Heavy Henry (Almost Native)
10. Waltz For All Souls (Almost Native)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia