Tom Garling

Tom Garling joined Buddy Rich’s band in 1986 at age twenty, performing in Buddy’s final touring ensemble. Rich praised him as having “a very, very strong future in jazz.” After earning his master’s degree in Jazz Arranging and Composition at the University of Miami, Tom joined its faculty, teaching improvisation and ear training and directing jazz ensembles. He also performed with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, and Randy Brecker. Tom spent six years with Maynard Ferguson’s Big Bop Nouveau Band, including four as musical director. His recordings include his Concord debut, Maynard Ferguson Presents Tom Garling, along with albums by Ferguson, Tito Puente, Michael Feinstein, and Frank Mantooth. He also co-produced Ferguson’s Brass Attitude. His compositions and arrangements have been performed by Ferguson, Puente, Liza Minnelli, Feinstein, Dianne Schuur, and professional ensembles nationwide. Based in the Chicago area, Tom teaches jazz trombone, improvisation, composition, and arranging at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts and Northern Illinois University. He remains internationally sought after as a performer, recording artist, composer, arranger, educator, and clinician.