Tom Giacabetti

Known for his soulful lyricism and fluid technique, Philadelphia jazz guitarist and educator Tom Giacabetti has long been praised as an improvising artist of great sensitivity and skill. His talent as a composer of vocal and instrumental jazz works will soon become more widely known with the winter 2015 release of his first CD as a leader, “Tender Heart: Songs of Tom Giacabetti and Melissa Gilstrap.” Tom has always intended for his compositions to be sung, and his vision is now being realized through his partnership with lyricist/producer Melissa Gilstrap, who successfully collaborated with legendary tenor saxophonist Larry McKenna on his last two CDs and penned the lyrics to their song “One Falling Tree,” voted #2 favorite new release out of 100 for the year 2013 by listeners of WRTI (90.1 FM Philadelphia). “Tender Heart” will feature six Giacabetti/Gilstrap originals premiered by four outstanding vocalists who are diverse in style and sound: Paul Jost, Denise King, Joanna Pascale and Sharon Sable. Tenor saxophonist Larry McKenna will also be featured, together with a top-notch rhythm section of guitarist Mike Quaile, bassist Craig Thomas and drummer/percussionist Joe Nero.

Much sought after for his versatility, Tom has performed in every major theater and showroom in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Atlantic City, New Jersey over the past 40 years. He has appeared in concert with The Philadelphia Orchestra and Peter Nero and The Philly Pops and in performances at the Willingboro and Mellon Jazz Festivals and Temple University, Stockton Performing Arts Center, Rowan University and The University of The Arts. Tom has shared the stage with many great jazz artists including Morganna King, Nancy Wilson, Randy Brecker, John Swana, Kenny Barron, The Count Basie Orchestra, Dave Brubeck and the Michael Pedicin Quartet. He has also performed or recorded with many popular artists including Shirley MacClaine, Liza Minnelli, Michael Feinstein, Bernadette Peters, Dean Martin and Bob Hope. Tom has been a featured artist on several nationally syndicated television shows including "The World of Guitar" and "Miles of Music." Highly respected as an educator, Tom currently teaches music at Temple University, Rowan University, Bucks County Community College and The University of the Arts.

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