Tom O'Grady
The Tom O’Grady Trio brings their unique take on popular 60s & 70s Motown / pop classics to the 606. The programme covers classic songs from the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Glen Campbell and many more, reworked in the style of the grooviest piano trios (the Ramsey Lewis trio, Gene Harris & the Three Sounds, Ahmad Jamal, Monty Alexander etc). As well as leading the critically acclaimed jazz funk outfit Resolution 88, Tom is an alumnus of jazz funk legends Incognito, having performed with them on their 2016 world tour and recorded with Bluey a number of times, most notably on his ‘The Story of the Rhodes’ project. From a classical upbringing to the world of soul and jazz via recording sessions with the respected techno producer and DJ, Kirk Degiorgio, Tom has performed on stage with many of his musical heroes, from Don Blackman to the Blackbyrds, Candi Staton and James Mason. He also co-writes, performs and MDs for his wife, the singer Vanessa Haynes, as well as singer Myles Sanko.
For this début performance at the 606, the trio have augmented their sound with guitarist Al Cherry and harmonica player & percussionist Pat Levett (The Coalminers). Both are regular performers at the 606 and have played with many greats including the James Taylor Quartet, Bernard Purdie, Percy Sledge and Carleen Anderson. The band is completed by bassist Tiago Coimbra and drummer Ric Elsworth, both fellow founding members of Resolution 88 who have worked with the likes of Hiromi, Maceo Parker and many others. Built on the foundation of world-class songs and an appealing retro vibe this is a terrific gig!
Photo by Oliver N Blake