Tom Bartelmay is a guitarist, composer, and bandleader based in Detroit, Michigan. Tom moved to Detroit in 2015 to attend Wayne State University, from which he graduated Magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. He is currently enrolled in Wayne State’s Master of Music program with a concentration in composition, where he is the current Gretchen Valade Graduate Assistant in Jazz. Tom’s music has often been described as lyrical and eclectic. His influences include artists such as Gyorgy Ligeti, Thelonious Monk, the Brian Blade Fellowship, and Butcher Brown, to name a few. Today Tom’s work focuses on strong melodic elements recontextualized through various rhythmic and harmonic settings, resulting in diverse and colorful compositions. His main working group consists of long-time contributors Sean Perlmutter, Rocco Popielarski, and Jake Shadik, whose relentless creativity and strong musical voices help transform each piece. Tom’s Quartet is excited to make their first appearance at the Detroit Jazz Festival, and are currently promoting their debut album “Heartstrings,” released earlier this year.
Tom Bartelmay Quartet
Tom’s music has often been described as lyrical and eclectic. His influences include artists such as Gyorgy Ligeti, Thelonious Monk, the Brian Blade Fellowship, and Butcher Brown, to name a few. Today Tom’s work focuses on strong melodic elements recontextualized through various rhythmic and harmonic settings, resulting in diverse and colorful compositions. His main working group consists of long-time contributors Sean Perlmutter, Rocco Popielarski, and Jake Shadik, whose relentless creativity and strong musical voices help transform each piece. Tom’s Quartet is excited to make their first appearance at the Detroit Jazz Festival, and are currently promoting their debut album “Heartstrings,” released earlier this year.