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| BIOGRAPHY Luke Thomas, originally from the suburbs of Los Angeles, comes from a long familial line of guitarists, and began playing guitar at 12 years old. A guitarist with a creative and expressive style, Luke Thomas, plays on the edge of "the outside" of harmonic sound, strategically building musical tension and release. His first group, Peace of Mind, an alternative rock band in the mid-90s, performed at Hollywood venues including the Whiskeyagogo and the Roxy. After moving to Corvallis, Oregon, from 1999 to 2003 Luke performed as guitarist and vocalist of the Southtown Hounds, a Corvallis-based funk/jazz/soul band, while managing the guitar department at Gracewinds Music. Luke returned to LA in 2004 to attend the Los Angeles Music Academy. While in LA, Luke had the opportunity to study and perform with world-class musicians including Frank Gambale (Guitarist of Chick Corea Electrik Band), Ralph Humphreys (Drummer for Frank Zappa), Jimmy Johnson (Bassist for James Taylor), Al McKay (Guitarist of Earth, Wind, & Fire), and many others. Luke also performed in the local LA scene with the Luke Adams Band. Luke describes himself as a "soul-funk & jazz free-groove" player primarily and his top guitar influences include Jimi Hendrix, Trey Anastasio, Jerry Garcia, John Scofield, Charlie Hunter and Jim Hall. Luke's top musical influences include Pat Matheny, Frank Gambale, Jimmy Paige, and John Medeski. Luke returned to Corvallis in 2005 and has since become a part of the Tasty Trio, playing "funky-fresh-prog-edged-jazz." Luke teaches all contemporary styles for beginner to advanced level students at Gracewinds Music on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons, and at Magnolia's Music in Albany on Tuesdays. In his spare time, he enjoys playing in his home studio, learning to use new musical technology and working on new material. |