EP 153 - Tom Kennedy (Recording Artist, Mike Stern, Steps Ahead, Freddie Hubbard)

Tom Kennedy joins The Bass Shed Podcast to discuss his latest album, The Summit, and the musical influences that have shaped his voice as one of today's premier jazz bassists.

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In this conversation, Tom reflects on growing up surrounded by the music of Horace Silver and the great big bands before discovering the legendary bassists who would leave a lasting impact on his playing, including Ray Brown, Jimmy Blanton, Scott LaFaro, and Rufus Reid.

We explore the inspiration behind The Summit, why he wanted to create a more acoustic, straight-ahead jazz record, his compositional process, and what it takes to lead a band while remaining deeply committed to serving the music.

Tom also shares insights into his long-running musical partnership with Dave Weckl, the role of the bass in guiding an ensemble, and the balance between supporting the band and stepping forward as a soloist.

Whether discussing composition, improvisation, ensemble playing, or the responsibilities of the modern bassist, Tom offers a thoughtful look into the artistry and craft that have defined his career.

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