Tom Barney

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Tom Barney
GenresSoul, jazz, R&B, rock, pop
OccupationMusician
Instrument(s)Bass, upright bass, fretless bass
Years active1977–present

Tom Barney is an American bass guitarist and session/touring musician. Active since the late 1970s, he has recorded with Miles Davis and worked extensively with Steely Dan on the live album Alive in America (1995) and the concert video Two Against Nature: Plush TV Jazz-Rock Party in Hi-Fi Stereo (2000). He is also a long-time member of the orchestra for the Broadway production of The Lion King in New York.[1][2]

Career

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Session and touring work

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Barney began appearing on jazz and pop recordings in the late 1970s and early 1980s and has since amassed extensive sideman credits across genres.[3] In 1983 he recorded with Miles Davis during a period documented by the trumpeter’s official site.[4] He also performed with saxophonist David Sanborn; a contemporary Los Angeles Times review of a 1989 concert singled out the band led by bassist Tom Barney.[5]

Work with Steely Dan

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Barney was part of Steely Dan’s touring and recording lineup in the 1990s. He is credited on the group’s first live album, Alive in America (1995), recorded on the 1993–1994 tours[6] and appears on the 2000 concert video Two Against Nature: Plush TV Jazz-Rock Party in Hi-Fi Stereo.[7]

Broadway and theatre

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Barney has held the bass chair for the Broadway production of The Lion King; the Internet Broadway Database lists him among the show’s musicians.[8] Reporting from the orchestra pit in 2025 also refers to “bassist Thom (Tom) Barney,” reflecting his long association with the production.[9]

Selected discography

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  • Steely Dan – Alive in America (Giant, 1995) – bass.[10]
  • Steely Dan – Two Against Nature: Plush TV Jazz-Rock Party in Hi-Fi Stereo (Image Entertainment, 2000, DVD/video) – bass.[11]
  • Regina Belle – Stay with Me (Columbia, 1989) – bass (select tracks).[12]
  • Carnegie Hall Salutes the Jazz Masters: Verve 50th Anniversary (live, 1994; various artists) – house band/ensemble including Tom Barney (bass).[13]

References

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  1. ^ "The Lion King – Original Broadway Production". IBDB. The Broadway League. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  2. ^ "Two Against Nature: Plush TV Jazz-Rock Party in Sensuous Surround Sound". WorldCat. OCLC. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  3. ^ "Tom Barney – Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  4. ^ "Tom Barney". Miles Davis Official Site. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  5. ^ "JAZZ REVIEW: Imitable David Sanborn Lights Musical ..." Los Angeles Times. 13 July 1989. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  6. ^ "Alive in America – Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  7. ^ "Two Against Nature: Plush TV Jazz-Rock Party in Sensuous Surround Sound". WorldCat. OCLC. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  8. ^ "The Lion King – Original Broadway Production". IBDB. The Broadway League. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  9. ^ "My view from the 'Lion King' pit". Broadway News. 17 January 2025. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  10. ^ "Alive in America – Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  11. ^ "Two Against Nature: Plush TV Jazz-Rock Party in Sensuous Surround Sound". WorldCat. OCLC. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  12. ^ "Stay with Me – Credits". Qobuz. Sony BMG. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  13. ^ "Search results for: Tom-Barney (event assets including Verve at 50, 1994)". Carnegie Hall Digital Collections. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
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