NYC based Multi-instrumentalist/improviser/composer Tom Chess has played and recorded with some of the heaviest players in the improvisational scene (Dewey Redman, Butch Morris, Pharoah Sanders, Drew Gress, Ronald Shannon Jackson), as well as Morrocan Sintarist Hassan Hakmoun.

Having deeply studied the Near Eastern, and North African traditions he incorporated the tonal palette, rhythms, and forms of these traditional musics while never losing sight of his American roots and the importance and freedom of improvising. He was nominated for an 2012 Independent Music Award.

“…His astonishing technique, combined with a real poetic sensitivity and instinctive sympathetic vision of the music constantly conjures unpredictable musical delights…”-DBDBD NY.

“…Tom Chess is obviously a virtuoso on the oud…”-Bruce Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery NYC.