Biography      Born in New York and raised on Long Island, Thomas' early introduction to music was through his parents who were music lovers, especially jazz and the music of the swing era bands of the thirties and forties, eventually evolving into modern jazz. He was inspired by the great swing bands of Chick Webb, Ellington, Basie, the Dorsey Brothers, Kay Kyser, Harry James, and instrumentalists like; Papa Jo Jones, Miles, Monk, Dizzy, Coltrane, Prez, Coleman Hawkins, Roy Eldridge, of course the influence of Buddy Rich and all the numerous incarnations of his bands through the years. He listened to the singers of the 40's and 50's; Maxine Sullivan, Sinatra, Ella, Billy Holiday, and the great singing groups, including The Andrews Sisters, The Mills Brothers, and The Ink Spots. He would study their phrasing and learn the arrangements to perfection. As a musician, the swinging rhythms and lyrical melodies were impressive and were later to have a profound influence on his music composition. The classic film music composers of Hollywood's Golden Age also had a very influential effect on Thomas' future and developing musical tastes. As a child, he learned the theme music from his favorite television programs and films, fascinated by how the instruments of the orchestra were used to color the film. As his love for music grew, he began formal training and expanded his musical horizon into both classical and popular music. Mozart, Bizet, Copland, The Beatles, Motown, Stax and the great rock groups of the 60's and 70's were all inspirations.   Beginning his music education at Marion Carll School in Commack, New York at the age of nine, he studied drums, percussion, and music theory continuing through high school where he was introduced to and studied the music of Copland, Ives, Holst, Bernstein, and Vaughn Williams, along with an influential training in music theory and composition, both classical and jazz with Anthony Marra. He earned numerous NYSSMA awards for percussion solos and ensemble performances. During this period, he played with several pop/jazz bands, orchestra, concert band, and marching band. He transcribed and wrote his first arrangements for those pop groups. At seventeen, he studied drums with jazz legend Tony Williams (Miles Davis, Lifetime.) Tony urged him to consider composing music and find his unique musical voice.    In 1974, he moved to Boston and there met Chick Corea, John Payne (Bonnie Raitt Band), and friend/pianist John Jacobson. The musical atmosphere in Boston at the time was vibrant as it is today, so it was easy to create new musical relationships and gain valuable performance experience. While playing with several jazz groups, he also taught drums privately.  Thomas moved to New York City in 1976 where he formed 'Avenue', a jazz quartet with bassist Cameron Brown and also played in the Charlie McGee Sextet. From late 1976 through the 1980's, he performed with a great number of artists including the wonderful R n' B singer Phyllis Hyman, jazz singer Chris Calloway, even his favorite rock legend Bo Diddley. Tom worked in the New York studios performing on dozens of recordings for television and records often alongside session greats, Will Lee, Ronnie Cuber, George Young, Anthony Jackson, Randy Brecker. In 1985, it was at the suggestion from Billy Joel that he began to seriously explore writing music. With the encouragement of his good friend, jingle writer Steve Benderoth and having established relationships in the music television community, advertising was a natural place to begin. Fast forward to the late 1990's, after writing music for over 400 commercials, he was asked to score a short film directed by a producer at an ad agency for which he worked. He was prepared for the production, having had always treated each new advertising assignment cinematically. The orchestration and production experience acquired over the previous 12 years, along with a passion for film, supported his transition to composing for feature films.  The experience and confidence gained through the diversity of his composition and performance greatly contributed to an independent musical sense and comfort collaborating with filmmakers. This is reflected in his composition style, exhibiting a satisfying union of rhythm and harmony, enhancing the director's vision on the screen. His compositions are  inspired by years of performance, travel, and study of romantic, classical, and traditional folk music of the world, including Italy, America, and Russia. Thomas' compositions exhibit his passion for expressing the human condition, whereas the listener is rewarded with a provacative, fulfilling experience. His later influences and admiration of classic and film music composers include; Barber, Ives, Bizet, Prokofiev, Debussy, Herrmann, Vaughan Williams, Satie, and Rota.  He was asked to compose the score for the Russian film 'All My Lenins' by the director Hardi Volmer, becoming the first American film composer to compose for the Russian cinema. Thomas travelled to Russia in 1997 to complete the score and assist in the final mix for the film. While in Tallinn, (capitol of Estonia) he was asked to give an impromtu review of David Lynch's 'Lost Highway' by Estonian television. In an Estonian homage to the film's title, the interview was filmed with Thomas and the crew driving in a van at 70mph with its side door wide open! In St. Petersburg and throughout Europe, 'All My Lenins' was well received and became a critical international success, with Thomas' score earning much deserved accolades. The use of well-crafted themes, alluring motifs, and imaginative orchestration are elements heard in his work. Adding emotional dimension to the narrative, drawing the viewer more deeply into the story as it unfolds on the screen. He feels this aspect of the work is responsible for the magic of music and moving pictures. Sometimes modern, other times lyrical, Thomas incorporates the power of traditional and contemporary music to create each score.  In 2001, the Italian director, Manlio Roseano called upon Thomas to compose the score for his enigmatic, historical mystery, 'The Third Lion'-'Il Terzo Leone.' The film was shot in northern Italy, won several international awards. In 2004, he composed for the critically acclaimed documentary, 'Control Room.' This score is one of numerous socially themed works of which Thomas is proud and demonstrates his artful use of thematic composition in the documentary format.  Also in 2004, he was honored by an invitation to appear as a guest speaker at Carnegie Hall. Featured in their 'Carnegie Notables: Art as Advocacy' series with actress Anna Deavere Smith, composer Moby, Janine Tesori, and author Benjamin Barber. Thomas spoke of his experiences as a composer working on socially significant films and the effects of art upon society.    Affiliations include: the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences and BMI, as composer and publisher.    Home • Biography • Filmography • News • Pictures • Music • Links • Contact