​Tom Dempsey & Tim Ferguson

Teaches at New York Jazz Academy

​Tom Dempsey
Guitarist Tom Dempsey’s reputation for hard swinging sophistication and pure musicality have made him a distinct voice in the New York jazz scene. Dempsey has performed and/or recorded with a virtual “Who’s Who” of world renowned jazz musicians including: George Coleman, Kenny Barron, Roy Haynes, Bobby McFerrin, Jack McDuff, Jim Hall, John Abercrombie, Brad Mehldau, John Scofield, Tal Farlow, Buddy Montgomery, Gerald Wilson, Mel Torme, Richard Wyands, Muhal Richard Abrams, and Dave Brubeck. 
He has recorded four CDs as a leader: What’s Going On (Citytone Records), Perspectives (Imaginary Records), Blues In The Slope (Igmod Records/TJD Music), If Only We Knew (TJD Music). Tom has also recorded as a sideman on many recordings. Since 1992, Tom has been performing as a leader and a sideman at some of the top jazz venues throughout the world including the JVC Jazz Festival, SF Jazz Festival, The Blue Note, Yoshi’s, Smalls, and Smoke. Tom is an Artist Endorsee for Thomastik-Infeld Strings. 

Known for his versatility as a musician Dempsey has made numerous appearances on New York radio and television including performances on The Rosie O’Donnell Show, the HBO series Sex and the City, and NPR. Dempsey has also performed for many Broadway shows including Bring In ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk, Patti Lupone on Broadway, and Aida. 

Tim Ferguson
Bassist Tim Ferguson has been a highly regarded fixture on the New York scene for the last 20 years, playing and touring with his own projects and as a side-man with a variety of acclaimed jazz artists, including Don Friedman, Cecil Bridgewater, Mel Lewis, Eddie Harris, Tony Scott, George Cables, Stefon Harris, Vanessa Rubin and the world famous Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Also a prolific composer, his works have been performed in concert by a variety of ensembles throughout the U.S. and Europe. An active educator, Ferguson teaches privately as well as having taught for a number of New York area schools and institutions, and has performed clinics throughout the US and Europe. He is co-author of “The Total Jazz Bassist” and “The Bass Line Encyclopedia,” both published by Alfred. He is a 1977 graduate of the Interlochen Arts academy, has studied with John Schaeffer, member emeritus of the New York Phiharmonic and has a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from William Paterson College in New Jersey, where he studied with world renowned bassist and educator Rufus Reid.