bio...

Jazz bassist and composer Tommy Cecil first picked up the bass as a teenager in his hometown of Baltimore, and started teaching himself how to play. In 1976, Tommy moved to Washington and since then has established himself as one of the most sought-after bassists in the area. As a free-lancer he has worked with artists as diverse as Joe Henderson, Charlie Byrd, Tommy Flanagan, Kieko Matsui, Cab Calloway, Terence Blanchard, Mose Allison, Phil Woods, Teddy Wilson and Chet Baker. Additionally, Tommy concertized with Grover Washington, Jr. and Henry Butler in the former Soviet Union on a tour sponsored by the Chautauqua Institute. Tommy has played in the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra under the direction of Gunther Schuller.

Saxophonist Ron Holloway frequently calls Tommy for gigs and recordings including "Slanted" and "Scorcher" (Milestone). Tommy is featured on pianist Larry Eanet's latest recording, "Sunset Stomp" (Arbors Jazz) and guitarist Royce Campbell hired Tommy for his recording, "Project G5 Tribute To Joe Pass" (King/Japan) which also features Gene Bertoncini, Charlie Byrd, Mundell Lowe and John Pisano.

Tommy has headlined at Wolf Trap, Blues Alley, One Step Down and The Smithsonian with pianist Louis Scherr. Together they released several recordings including "The Song Is You" (Limetree/Holland) and "Warm Valley" featuring Joe Henderson (Westwind/Germany). Tommy and Louis have played jazz festivals in Moscow and St. Petersburg in Russia, Tallinn, Estonia; San Remo, Italy; and Santiago, Chile.

Tommy's first recording as a leader has been released. "Samba For Felix" (Slider Music) features pianist Tommy Flanagan, saxophonist Gary Bartz, guitarist Paul Bollenback, drummer Billy Hart and percussionist Cyro Baptista.