Bio
Tom Mowrey grew up in a rural area in western Pennsylvania. He loved music from the time he was a young boy. At the age of 15 Tom picked up the guitar and it became a passion of his. He began to compose songs and perform at his local church. Not longer after he and some of his friends formed a christian rock band, "Called by God". The band performed at churches and youth events. Tom was the lead guitarist and wrote a lot of the songs that the band performed.
After high school Tom debuted his first cd titled "Destiny of a Pilgrim". All of the songs on his debut cd were composed and performed by Tom, combining a diverse troupe of musicians and uncommon instruments to achieve a gentle flow from one song to the next. Citing Phil Keaggy as one of his main personal and professional inspirations, Tom refers to him as "one of the most humble and gifted guitar players". Tom explained that his own instrumental style is not unlike that of an artist painting on a blank canvas. "I try to think like an artist would" he said, "I really want to let people know that there is a God and He really does love them. Thats where my inspiration comes from and I hope people can hear that in my music. Sometimes you can say more without words." Tom performed in a variety of venues, including theaters, festivals, coffeehouses, colleges, and churches.
Not long after the debut of his first cd, Tom moved to Pittsburgh to study music. While there, he studied under jazz guitar legend Joe Negri, a/k/a "Handyman" Negri on Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. While in Pittsburgh, Tom enjoyed listening to the Pittsburgh Symphony, which would have an influence on some of the songs he composed on his second cd titled "Never Alone". All of the songs on "Never Alone" were composed, arranged and produced by Tom. "I wanted to make a CD that centers around a central theme of never walking alone in life." He added, "The CD has many different moods and I wanted to bring all of those moods around a central theme of never being alone because God is always with you." All of Tom's music is inspired by his personal relationship with Jesus. Tom said that God inspires him in everything he does, including his guitar playing.
Because Tom plays many different types of music, he considers his style to be eclectic. On "Never Alone" he incorporates the genres of jazz, solo acoustic, rock and celtic into his playing. On a few of the 14 tracks, vocal effects can be heard. The instrumentals inspire visions unique to each set of ears that hear the music. Lending a hand on Toms "Never Alone" cd is christian recording artist and legendary guitarist Phil Keaggy, who has inspired Tom through his music and his life example; John Sferra provides drums and percussion on most of the tracks. Tom described John as a very accomplished drummer and a great guy who has given him a lot of encouragement. John is a bandmate with Phil Keaggy in their band, Glass Harp. Joe Negri plays electric guitar on a jazz track called "Feelin Good". Various other musicians provided other accompaniment in the form of flutes, bass, keyboards, violins, violas, cellos and pipes.
He is now working on his next album which will be filled with vocal songs he wrote. Tom continues to perform and he says, "I hope the different styles of music that I perform will touch people in different ways, but most of all, I hope my music inspires people."
The following reviews are from magazine articles and fellow musicians:
"I want to tell you how much I enjoyed your cd. It was most enjoyable! Great production, tunes, and your playing sounded just great! Dont ever lose that spirit in your playing. I'm really proud of you and proud to be your friend!"
-Robert Conti, jazz guitarist, Las Vegas, Nevada
"Tom Mowrey has recorded a diverse CD of jazz, rock, acoustic, inspirational and Celtic sounds. Never Alone is a fine guitar album with a tasty range of musical moves."
- 20th Century Guitar Magazine - March 2006