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Who is Thomas Tedesco?
 
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thomas Tedesco is one of Southern California''s leading Guitarist Improvisers . According to many music experts, Tedesco is fast becoming one of this country's most dynamic and resourceful guitarists focusing heavily with mainstream and progressive music styles.

Comfortable in a variety of musical settings, Tedesco can often be found with one of his ensembles in a concert setting performing his original compositions, playing rhythm in a swing band, playing standards in a night club, performing solo or even improvising with poets. Tedesco's performances are an equal measure of grace, wit, and musical adventure.
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  thomas tedesco  
How Can I Find Out More About This Composer?
 
Tedesco is currently promoting two critical acclaimed CD releases: “Don't Ever Be Afraid To Be Ascared ”, on 9 WINDS label and “Ocean ”, on Clarion Jazz. Both CD's feature original compositions and arrangements along with internationally known jazz instrumentalists. Tedesco is also promoting his book: Improvisational Concept for the Jazz Guitar.
 
   
 
How did Thomas Achieve His Success?
     
 

After a childhood filled with an unexpressed yearning to play the guitar, Thomas made a 
clear choice to master the instrument as a young adult and has not looked back.
Thomas is now a part of a continuum of jazz artists who have dedicated themselves to an evolving style of music that is uniquely “American.” In 1969, Thomas returned to Southern California, his birthplace; from Omaha Nebraska to pursue his professional career as a jazz guitarist. While living in Venice, California, he found ample opportunities to hone his skills as a jazz guitarist working in a variety of jazz clubs, tea houses, art galleries and outdoor venues. The Venice scene in those days provided fertile ground for artistic expression, experimentation and growth. To expand his skills and abilities, Thomas worked diligently and could often be found working in inner city clubs as well. To further his experience Thomas toured Europe as a solo artist in 1999…then there was no turning back! Thomas taught guitar, theory, and improvisation in a variety of public and private institutions. Thomas sharpened his creative musical skills by performing with international known jazz notables  as:

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Bobby Bradford, Henry “The Skipper” Franklin, Garnette Brown, Ray Draper, John Carter, Roberto Miranda, Blue Mitchell, Horace Tapscott, William Henderson, Jeff Littleton, Sherman Ferguson, Donald Dean, Cecilia Coleman, Nat Morgan, Harold Land Jr., Don Preston, Alex Cline, Jane Getz, Onaje Murray, William Jeffery, Frank Morgan, Billy Higgens, Louie Spears, Vinny Golia. In addition, Thomas has performed with poets Wanda Coleman, Berry Simon, and Bob Alexander, and spoken work artist Iris Lord. In 1975, he formed a duo with Tablist Richard Aldorasi.
 
     
 
Academia has been Good to Thomas!
 
         
 
Through the years, Thomas has kept one foot in academia, earning an Associate of Arts Degree in Music from Santa Monica City College, a Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition from California State University Dominguez Hills, and a Masters of Music in Jazz Studies from California State University Long Beach. Thomas is a teacher and performer committed to shearing his vast experience and extensive knowledge of jazz and popular music and the playing techniques of the jazz guitar. Some of Thomas' teaching experiences include:
 
     
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College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita Ca.; UCLA Extension Arts Reach; Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks; Los Angeles Unified School District; Van Nuys High School; Eubanks Conservatory of Music and Fine Arts, Los Angeles; California Institute for Men, Chino Ca.; and the California youth Authority, as well as teaching privately.
 
 
 
His book Improvisational Concept for the Jazz Guitar, published in 2002, displays a deep interest in the pedagogy of the instrument.
 
     
 
What do the Critics Say about Thomas Tedesco?
 
 
   
“…Solid ensemble play with creative improvisation – lyrical ballads and up tempo romps give the program variety…the leader maintains a fluid approach with articulate pacing…lovely, and still fascinating to the listener…holding to the tradition while tearing off the edges with its unique tonal palette. Tedesco's ensemble provides an adventurous listen.”
                                                                                                                LA Jazz Scene
 
 
   
“…Check out Tedesco's cool bop lines…Tedesco eschews flash for style a true jazz style.”                                                                                                                 All About Jazz
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“…Guitarist Thomas Tedesco belongs in the sphere of the “intimist” guitarist Jim Hall or Kenny Burrell…perfectly vibrant…instruments resound deliciously…good qualities of the composer Thomas Tedesco are undeniable.”
                                                                                                           J@zz Hot Internet
 
 
 
“…Could easily be a Blue Note, Riverside catalogue item…check out Tedesco's sound…his pristine single line voicing rival that of Joe Pass , Pat Martino, Joe Diorio…from start to finish of this Granite solid 70 mins of well conceived and played contemporary music…a very fine effort…7 stars.”
                                                                                                    Michael Nastos Review
 
 
 
 
 
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