|
With
over 1,000 people on their mailing list, The Tom Kitt Band consistently
packs such legendary New York City Clubs as Mercury
Lounge, Arlene
Grocery and the former Wetlands. Four incredible
musicians fill out the band: Tom Kitt on piano and lead
vocals, Damien Bassman on drums, Dan
Grennes on bass, and Michael
Aarons on guitar. Combining a pop sensibility with their
innate musical gifts, The Tom Kitt Band is one of rock and roll's
best new bands.
The
Tom Kitt Band's roots were conceived when Tom and Damien met while
attending the Interlochen Summer Music Program for high school
students. Forming a strong musical bond, they reunited in New
York eight years later and formed the band. After adding Michael
and Dan, the band set out to record its first album and build
a following on the live circuit. Their recorded debut "Find
Me" has had both critical and commercial success, and
the band's live shows have wowed both critics and audiences, earning
the band a consistently large and loyal following. The band exhibits
a mastery of its instruments that is rare in contemporary pop
music, and their chemistry and group energy bring the songs to
life.
As
the main songwriter, Tom's influences consist of pop, folk, jazz,
funk, and classical music. His gift lies in his ability to draw
from these styles in creating his own unique voice. The band's
piano-based sound has been compared to Ben Folds, The Beatles,
Dave Matthews, and Billy Joel, whom Tom performed with while attending
Columbia College. Regarding his musical career, Mr. Joel told
Tom, "I don't think you have anything to worry about."
Damien
attended the Cleveland Institute of Music, Juilliard, and Carnegie
Mellon. Sought out by new musicals, modern dance companies, and
rock bands, Damien is considered to be one of New York's best
young drummers. Dan Grennes met Tom in the summer of 1998, and
joined the band soon after. After studying the bass at Berklee,
Dan quickly established himself in the New York music scene. He
is constantly working, employed by a number of different jazz,
funk, and rock bands. Michael Aarons attended the Manhattan School
of Music where he received his Bachelors Degree in Jazz/Commercial.
Michael has built an impressive resume as a session guitarist,
performing on the sidelines with everyone from Issac Hayes, Stevie
Wonder, Michael McDonald, to Gloria Gaynor and Ben E. King.
|