Tom Grant

Tom Grant, master instrumentalist, talented singer and natural entertainer nimbly walks the line between jazz tradition and modern pop. This soft-spoken Oregon native’s inspired songwriting produces propulsive R&B grooves, infectious melodic hooks, and stylish ballads with equal ease. He plays jazz piano with the harmonic sophistication and deep sense of swing that only comes from more than three decades on the bandstand. At the same time, his recordings have consistently landed at the top of the New Adult Contemporary (NAC)/Smooth Jazz charts, a genre of music Tom helped pioneer in the mid-80s.
Born to show business parents, Tom was at home with many musical instruments, but always returned to the piano. At a tender age, he was taught to play piano and drums by his tap dancer father. Later, he learned about music styles listening to music at his father’s record store in Portland, Oregon. His brother, an avant-garde jazz pianist, introduced him to the many different facets of jazz music. After graduating from the University of Oregon and a short stint as a high school teacher, Tom answered his musical calling.
Since 1983, Tom’s records have repeatedly topped the NAC/Smooth Jazz charts. Several, including the popular Mango Tango, Night Charade, In My Wildest Dreams, and The View from Here, enjoyed lengthy stays at Number One. In My Wildest Dreams and The View from Here also made the Top Five on the Billboard Charts. Tom’s music has graced many television shows and commercials, radio shows and movie scores, including a musical guest appearance on The Tonight Show.
His records have also been a staple of the Quiet Storm radio format for almost two decades. In 1997, Tom was accorded the prestigious status of Steinway Artist. The first non-classical Steinway artist in the Pacific Northwest, he joins the ranks of legendary pianists from Vladimir Horowitz to Keith Jarrett. Tom has been involved in many different charity events nationwide during the past three decades, and continues to donate his time and talent to worthy causes. Tom was recently accorded the great honor of having a scholarship fund established in his name by the United Negro College Fund. Tom was also recently awarded the much coveted 1999 Humanitarian Award for Dedication to Music, Health and Children by the New York Presbyterian Hospital/Cornell Medical Center.
In 2001, Tom formed his own record label, Nu-Wrinkle Records. After nearly 35 years of recording on various labels (Windham Hill, Verve, Shanachie, PAUSA, Gaia, WMOT, Timeless International, Chase Music) he felt it was time to explore the world of self produced music. He currently has three releases on this label including his new work called Solo Piano 14 new compositions of glistening piano work, graced by the artwork of Oregon nature photographer Steve Terrill. Tom communicates with his ever-expanding fan base via his web site, www.tomgrant.com, and a 24-hour hotline: 503.768.5444.
www.tomgrant.com