tom mcdermott & kevin clark

Biography

Tom McDermott, born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1957, is a pianist and composer renowned for his mastery of New Orleans jazz, ragtime, and Brazilian choro. He began piano lessons at age six, influenced by classical music and the vibrant ragtime scene in St. Louis, which was a hub for the genre before the Scott Joplin revival. McDermott's early exposure to ragtime, amplified by the release of Joshua Rifkin's Joplin albums, led him to compose and perform original rags. He earned a Master of Music degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1982 and moved to New Orleans in 1984, where he immersed himself in the city's musical traditions, working with bands like the Dukes of Dixieland and co-founding the New Orleans Nightcrawlers. McDermott's career is marked by a commitment to both tradition and innovation, blending New Orleans styles with Brazilian choro and other eclectic influences.

Kevin Clark is a jazz guitarist originally from Long Island, New York, who began studying guitar at age 13. He has become a frequent collaborator with Tom McDermott, contributing to several recordings and performances that highlight their shared interest in New Orleans jazz and classic standards. Together, McDermott and Clark have released albums such as 'Smiles' and 'Temptation Rag,' which showcase their chemistry and deep understanding of the genre. Their partnership has helped keep the spirit of traditional jazz alive while also exploring new arrangements and interpretations.

Fun Facts

• Tom McDermott began playing piano at age six and was inspired by the Scott Joplin revival before it became mainstream.
• He earned a scholarship to St. Louis University and graduated with a B.A. in Art before pursuing music full-time.
• McDermott has recorded in Rio de Janeiro with members of the choro group Tira Poeira, blending Brazilian and New Orleans styles.
• He co-founded the New Orleans Nightcrawlers, an innovative brass band, in 1994.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Joshua Rifkin - Inspiration through recordings of Scott Joplin rags (Joshua Rifkin's Joplin albums) [late 1960s–early 1970s]
• James Booker - Stylistic influence on New Orleans piano (James Booker's recordings and performances) [1980s–1990s]
• Professor Longhair - Stylistic influence on New Orleans piano (Professor Longhair's recordings and performances) [1980s–1990s]
• Dr. John - Stylistic influence on New Orleans piano (Dr. John's recordings and performances) [1980s–1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Kevin Clark - Frequent musical partner, guitarist (Smiles, Temptation Rag) [2010s–present]
• Evan Christopher - Clarinetist and frequent collaborator (Danza, Almost Native, Choro do Norte) [2000s–present]
• Connie Jones - Cornetist and frequent collaborator (Creole Nocturne) [2000s–present]
• Aurora Nealand - Vocalist and frequent collaborator (City of Timbres, Aurora Nealand and Tom McDermott, Live at Luthjens) [2010s–present]
• Meschiya Lake - Vocalist and frequent collaborator (Meschiya Lake and Tom McDermott) [2010s–present]
• Chloe Feoranzo - Clarinetist and frequent collaborator (Zeppelins Made to Order) [2010s–present]

Artists Influenced

• New Orleans Nightcrawlers - Co-founded and wrote arrangements for the brass band (New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Funknicity, Live at the Old Point) [1994–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Where We Were Meant To Be (Mother Nature's Kitchen)
2. King Of Nothing (Mother Nature's Kitchen)
3. What Comes To Pass (Mother Nature's Kitchen)
4. Slow Boat (Mother Nature's Kitchen)
5. Wheels Of Wonder (Mother Nature's Kitchen)
6. Mother Nature's Kitchen (Mother Nature's Kitchen)
7. Angel (Mother Nature's Kitchen)
8. Into The Blue (Mother Nature's Kitchen)
9. Suffocation Blues (Mother Nature's Kitchen)
10. Healing At The Harbour (Mother Nature's Kitchen)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia