Ticket information coming soon!
Tom Snow is best known as a celebrated and prolific songwriter, singer/songwriter and arranger, recording artist, premier pianist, and bandleader, across almost every genre of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, and has become a highly acclaimed educator. Tom and a rhythm section featuring friends and top-call Boston musicians Rick McLaughlin and Phil McGowan, will be joined by revered saxophonist, Ralph Norris to perform this special jazz concert.
Upon graduating from Berklee College of Music, with a degree in Music Composition, Tom set out to pursue a career in songwriting, postponing his dream of becoming a jazz pianist. He signed with Capitol Records as a solo performer, producing two albums before changing his focus to writing for others.
In the first year of this change in focus, his first BMI airplay award came with Rita Coolidge’s recording of “You” which he had written and performed on his first solo album, and his writing career was “off and running.”
He has been nominated for or won over multiple years, Academy Awards (such as “Let’s Hear it for the Boy”-Footloose), Emmies (such as Fame LA) , Grammies (Song of the Year, Non-Musical Show Album), Golden Globe (Best Song), Tony (Best Musical). His songs have topped the charts sung by such well known recording artists, as Selena, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Rostadt, Aaron Neville, Cher, Olivia Newton-John, Amy Grant, Barry Manilow, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Joe Cocker, Dionne Warwick, Joe Walsh, Levon Helm, and Mick Fleetwood.
Respected and beloved by other musicians and friends such as Jonathan Edwards, American singer/songwriter, “I’ve worked with many of our world’s most gifted musicians and Tom is one of the very best! He brings expertise, generosity, and soulfulness to every stage, whether as a professor, performer or friend,” and Jeff Coffin, saxophonist with Dave Matthews band and 3 time Grammy winner, “There are pianists and music educators…and then there is Tom Snow. He is brilliant, kind, resourceful and engaged (even before he sets foot on the stage!”
We are fortunate to hear him perform as a jazz pianist, a return to his roots and dreams from his student days at Berklee.
Featuring:
Ralph Norris, Saxophonist, has been a fixture of the New England music scene for more than 50 years. In addition to performing alongside many world renowned musicians, he has performed and recorded with beloved Maine musicians Don Doane and Terry White. For 35 years, Ralph was a part of countless concerts and two full recordings with bandleader and pianist Tom Snow. Off stage, he has dedicated many years as a coach and mentor to area high school jazz musicians.
Though he is choiceful of the gigs he performs these days, Ralph remains committed to excellence, always evaluating his playing with honesty and grace: “I try to constantly evaluate my playing so I will have the sense to pack it in before I slide too far down the slope, if you get my drift.”
Balancing a fulfilling musical life with a successful career, Ralph credits his journey to a supportive wife, understanding business partners, and the joy of collaborating with talented musicians. “Music has been a driving force in my life… Some of the most memorable moments of our lives occurred on a bandstand creating music with our friends. They are experiences that I shall never forget.”
Joined By:
Bassist Rick McLaughlin
Rick McLaughlin, Bassist, is a multi-faceted musician. In addition to being a highly talented bassist, he is an educator at Berklee College of Music, composer, arranger, author, producer, and music superfan. These roles have taken him to stages on four continents, performances and recording sessions with legendary musicians, to clinics, classrooms and private lessons. And to the microphone as a podcast guest. He has shared the stage and recorded with a wide array of international artists, such as Grammy-nominated Either/Orchestra to Ethiopian legends Mahmoud Ahmed and Mulatu Astatke.
Drummer Phil McGowan
Phil McGowan, drummer, maintains an active schedule as a drummer and music educator. Phil has been performing throughout the New England area since he picked up drumsticks at a very young age, and formed a band with his brother. He has performed at concert halls, clubs, music festivals, and cruise ships which ventured into Europe, Africa and Asia. He has shared the stage with many inspiring artists, including Judy Collins, and American Idol finalists John Stevens and Siobhan Magnus, the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Billy Pierce, Herb Pomeroy and many others, while continuing to perform regularly throughout the Greater Boston area.
Join us for this final chamber music concert of the season, as these wonderful artists bring this superlative program to Ogunquit audiences!