Thomas Walter Farmer was born in Bristol, 7th June 1984. He took his first Piano lessons aged 4. After moving to Maldon, Essex aged 10, he studied piano with Leslie Boyce, working through the associated board graded system to Grade 8.
It was at secondary school where, encouraged by head of Music Sally Thompson, Tom’s musical interests developed. A key member of the school music program at GCSE and A Level, Tom was involved in a wide range of musical situations: Accompanying the Choir in both classical and popular repertoire, a member of many instrumental ensembles, and reliable pianist for soloists.
It was aged 16, whilst playing with the school Jazz band, then ran by Peter Worth, that Tom first performed on Electric Bass. The regular Bassist was absent and Tom’s ability to read Bass clef meant he was the inevitable substitute. Following the gig, Tom formalised his electric bass studies through lessons with John Bower.
Aged 17, Tom attended a jazz workshop run by Martin Hathaway and the Essex Youth Jazz Orchestra. Again, due to an absentee bassist, Tom was invited to play the evening concert with the orchestra and subsequently to becoming a long term member.
During his time with EYJO, Tom had his first exposure to the Jazz tradition. Through Martin Hathaway, he undertook considerable listening and reading to develop knowledge of Jazz Harmony and style. Following a successful tour to Belgium with the Orchestra, Tom was offered an Audition for the Bmus Jazz option at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Tom was accepted onto the course with the condition he transferred to Acoustic upright bass during the first year. Under the tutorage of Colin Paris (LSO) and Jeff Clyne, Tom developed the basic techniques and understandings of the acoustic bass. His Jazz education was lead by Martin Hathaway, Simon Purcell and Steve Watts.
The 4 year GSMD (2002-2006) course offered Tom an opportunity to become involved in the London Jazz scene. Through his contemporaries at the school, Tom began playing with many ensembles outside the school. These included:
The National Youth Jazz Orchestra
Tom spent 18 months with the band appearing all over the country. Highlights included a tour of Miami and participation on a Jazz Cruise on which Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath and Curtis Fuller guested with the Band. During this time Tom appeared twice at Ronnie Scott’s and recorded on the Album ‘Something Old, Something New’. NYJO lead to many musical relationships that Tom still benefits from today.
The Heritage Orchestra
Lead by Guildhall Alumni Jules Buckley and run by Chris Wheeler, THO is a now well established contemporary ensemble in Britain and Europe. Highlights from the last 4 years include appearing with Airto Moeria at the Sage Gateshead, performing with Dwight Trible at Montreux Jazz Festival 2005, performing with Deadato at the Big Chill and recording ‘The Heritage Orchestra’ at Abbey Road for Giles Peterson’s label ‘Brownswood Records’.
A side project – the Heritage Players, saw Tom play with UK Grime MC’s JME, Tynchy Stryder and Skepta at the Isle of Wight festival and the V Festival.
Lazenby
Tom first worked with singer/songwriter Sarah Lazenby and guitarist/songwriter Nick Lockwood in 2002. With Lazenby, he performed at the Wireless Festival, at the Gumball Rally Party alongside regular appearances at clubs in the West End including: Mo Mo’s, Jewel, No5 Cavendish Square and the Soho Revue Bar. Tom also performed on the album ‘The Loft Years’.
Kelvin Christiane
Tom was briefly a member of Kelvin’s well established quartet. He appeared in many south England Jazz clubs and recorded ‘Timeless’ Live at the 606 Club Chelsea.
Tomorrows Warriors
Tom had a 6th month Tenure under the leadership of Abram Wilson and Gary Crosby.
Whilst at the GSMD, Tom also took part in master classes lead by John Patitucci, Rufus Reid, Mike Gibbs, Kenny Wheeler and Branford Marsalis. He also was an assistant tutor on the Glamorgan summer School, two years running.
Following completion of the Bmus (2.1), Tom became an increasingly active member of the British Jazz Scene. He has performed with Martin Speake, Brian Abrahams, Brian Edwards, Martin Hathaway, Shabaka Hutching’s Splay and Femi Temowo.
Keep checking the Blog for updates about the many bands/projects he is involved in!
Please check out some of the awesome musicians Tom currently works with (click the link to find out more)
The Heritage Orchestra
Recent performances with the orchestra include a Stan Sulzman birthday concert at the CBSO centre.
Roundtrip
A foward looking band lead by composer/Trumpeter Richard Turner. We toured extensively 2008 and have appeared in support of Chris Dave @ Charlie Wrights. We opened the first 'Con Fest' in Camden to a sold out room.
The John Randall Quintet
In 2008 the group won the Dave Holland Prize at Birmingham Conservatoire, and appeared at Cheltenham Jazz festival. Extensive touring followed culminating in a sell out show at the Vortex in April 2009.
Atila
Atila's debut album 'Hello young Lovers' has lead to shows at the Stables Wavendon and a residency at Ronnie Scotts Upstairs.
Meridian
A brand new band featuring Shane and Tom.
The Dice Factory
A Brand new Band featuring Tom and George playing all original music.
Huw White’s Neon Bedroom
A new Band lead by Huw playing Huw's music.
