Maine rarely figures in discussions of regions that produce jazz musicians, with guitarist Lenny Breau standing as one of the few names that surface. Pianist Thomas Snow now enters that sparse picture, bringing exceptional training and stage experience. At home he absorbed everything from Scott Joplin rags to Ahmad Jamal’s modern piano approach, then attended jazz camps throughout middle and high school. During those years he met pianist Chris Neville, who had worked with Benny Carter, and studied with him. Snow also landed his first paid engagement with the Maine-based orchestra A Cool Shade of Blue, which performed at hotel chains and corporate events across the state.
After earning a cum laude degree from Berklee School of Music in 1991, he launched tours, festival and concert appearances, and began teaching. A period with the Fred Petra band followed. His schedule soon broadened further: he served as pianist on the “Legends of the Sea” Jazz Cruise with the Freddie Guerra and Rick Erwin Orchestras, shared stages with Nick Brignola, Larry Coryell, and Herb Pomeroy, and appeared on recordings by blues guitarist Troy Turner and the ensemble Motor City Affair.
October 1997 brought the release of his debut album, Northern Standard Time, featuring his septet interpreting classic standards. Snow’s approach clearly reflects close listening to Chick Corea, Oscar Peterson, Nat King Cole, and especially fellow New Englander Dave McKenna, his principal influence. He merges contemporary and traditional elements into a distinctive, fresh style. Snow continues performing at New England jazz venues, holds the post of Music Director at Cheverus High School in Portland, and belongs to the Portland Conservatory of Music.
