EPK
Described as “extraordinarily talented” by Houston Public Media, Tomás Jonsson is an internationally recognized pianist and composer attending the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University and an alumni of the legendary One O'Clock Lab Band®. In February of this year Tomás won 2nd Place (and Best Jazz Ballad) at the UNISA International Jazz Piano Competition in Pretoria, South Africa. In May of 2023, Tomás won 1st Place at the historic Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition. He is a regular in the studio and is known for his ability to perform with any lineup, in any genre, for any audience. Tomás has performed or recorded with celebrated artists including Benny Benack III, Ulysses Owens, Jr., Miguel Zenón, Jane Monheit, Michael Dease, Rodney Whitaker, Michael League, Reuben Rogers, Laila Biali, Scott Tixier, Caity Gyorgy, Quincy Davis, Brad Leali, Nick Finzer, Darmon Meader, and Lynn Seaton. He is fluent in classical, jazz, and Afro-Latin styles, and his years of experience in historically-Black Baptist churches have infused his playing with a gospel sensibility that is uncommon for a classically trained musician. He is also comfortable providing music for corporate events, weddings, and private parties (among other venues). Tomás is available for booking as a solo pianist, and can also lead and coordinate the perfect ensemble for your needs, whether it be a piano trio, jazz combo, or an intimate duet with a singer.
In June of 2021, he accompanied legendary chanteuse Jane Monheit and veteran trombone player Michael Dease at the Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium. In February of 2022, he released his debut album, First Impressions, exclusively comprised of original compositions, recorded, mixed, and mastered totally independently. This year, he released Espressivo ft. star NYC crooner and trumpet player Benny Benack III.
Tomás has studied music for more than 19 years and has earned recognition for his abilities in classical piano, jazz piano, and composition. In 2022, he graduated from Rice University with a Bachelor's Degree in Music (Classical Piano Performance) under the guidance of Brian Connelly. In 2024, he graduated from the University of North Texas with a Master's Degree in Jazz Studies under the guidance of Dave Meder.
Selected Recent Achievements:
2024: 2nd Place, UNISA International Jazz Piano Competition
2023: 1st Place, Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition
2021: Pianist in Brevard Jazz Institute's Top Ensemble
2019 Pianist in UNT Jazz Workshop's Top Ensemble
2019 Scored Lil' Hybrids, an animated film that won a Bronze (3rd Place) Remi Award at WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival
2018 Pauling Piano Competition, 1st Place
2018 All-State Jazz Piano, 2nd Place in Texas
2017 TMTA Piano Concerto Competition, 3rd Place
2016 Forum Young Artist Competition, 1st Place
2016 MTNA Composition Competition, 2nd Place in Texas
2015 TMTA Solo Piano Competition, 1st Place
Works in Progress:
Bitter Suite (1. Ocurencias 2. The In-Between Blues. 3. Last Night in Tunisia), a suite for jazz combo exploring the guajira, the blues, and an original groove in 11/8.
