Tom Regis is an accomplished composer, pianist, and music teacher, best known as the author of the acclaimed music theory book, From Beethoven to Bill Evans: Western Harmony Simplified. This essential guide simplifies the complex world of jazz harmony and Western music theory for everyone.
A Lifelong Musical Journey
Tom Regis’s life in music began on the north shore of Boston, immersed in a world of sound that spanned from the timeless works of Beethoven and Chopin to the infectious energy of the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, and Santana. This diverse early exposure laid the foundation for a profound and eclectic musical journey.
Formal Training and Worldly Rhythms
Dedicating his life to music, Tom pursued formal studies at the New England Conservatory under masters like Ran Blake and Charlie Banacos. His path took a vibrant turn when he was introduced to the hypnotic pulse of Latin music. This led to a deep dive into Afro-Cuban styles, resulting in critically acclaimed productions like the LAtino LAtino CD and the founding of the popular Jerusalem Salsa Band.
Studio Expertise: Collaborations with Music Legends
Tom’s talent and versatility made him a sought-after figure in the studio scenes of New York, Los Angeles, and Tel Aviv. He has composed, arranged, and performed with a veritable who’s who of the music world, including:
- Jazz& Session Legends: Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Will Lee, Marcus Miller, Eddie Gomez.
- Vocal Powerhouses: Celia Cruz (with whom he toured for two years), Phoebe Snow, Patti Austin, Michael Bolton.
- International Stars: Gilberto Gil, Ofra Haza, and many
Composer for Media and Return to Roots
His keen understanding of harmony made him a natural for media composition. Tom has crafted dozens of cues for television shows like The West Wing and Oprah. After a period practicing law, he passionately returned to his musical roots, performing rock and blues and delving into gospel.
Author of Western Harmony Simplified
In 2011, Tom synthesized a lifetime of performance, composition, and study into his definitive music theory book, “From Beethoven to Bill Evans: Western Harmony Simplified.” This work distills the complex world of Western harmony into a clear, unified system, benefiting both novices and advanced musicians by bridging the gap between classical and jazz pedagogy. It is the perfect resource for anyone looking to learn piano harmony from the ground up.
Present Day: Mentorship and Performance
Now based in South Florida, Tom remains an active performer with projects like the Hammond organ drive Blues Equation. He also serves as the Music Director for the Milagro Center of Delray Beach, sharing his knowledge and passion with under-served youth, ensuring the next generation discovers the power of music.
Explore his groundbreaking approach to music theory in his book, From Beethoven to Bill Evans: Western Harmony Simplified, available now on Amazon.