About Tom Kubis
Tom Kubis is a highly esteemed American jazz musician, composer, arranger, and bandleader, renowned for his contributions to the contemporary big band sound. As a multi-instrumentalist proficient on saxophone, flute, and piano, Kubis has carved out a significant niche in jazz history through his prolific arranging and dynamic compositions, which are celebrated for their crisp, swinging, and driving energy. He leads his own acclaimed big band and has penned countless charts that have been performed globally, solidifying his reputation as a master of modern big band jazz.
- Tom Kubis founded his own big band specifically to perform his unique arrangements, becoming a central figure in the modern big band scene.
- His extensive career includes significant work in television, where he arranged and conducted for celebrity acts such as Steve Allen and Helen Reddy, and for specials like the CBS Jackie Gleason 30 Year Reunion Special and The Bob Newhart 20 Year Anniversary show.
- Kubis's arrangements have graced prestigious stages worldwide, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and major international jazz festivals such as the Playboy Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, and Berkeley Jazz Festival.
- Beyond his performance and composition work, Kubis is also dedicated to music education, teaching at Golden West College and frequently serving as a clinician and guest artist at universities like California State University Long Beach.
Playing Tom Kubis's music offers an incredibly rewarding experience for jazz ensembles and big bands of all levels, from advanced students to seasoned professionals. His charts are celebrated for defining the contemporary big band sound, characterized by their precision, infectious swing, and finely crafted passages that exude tremendous urgency and drive. Performing his arrangements provides an excellent opportunity to delve into modern jazz orchestration, enhance ensemble cohesion, and engage with compositions that are both challenging and immensely satisfying to bring to life.