School of Music - Thomas Knific
Thomas Knific (1987)
Double Bass, Jazz
B.M. Cleveland Institute
Diploma Academia Chigiana (Italy)
Adept as both a classical and jazz musician, he has been principal bassist of orchestras in the United States, Latin America, and Europe.
He has performed as soloist and in chamber music festivals in Europe, Canada, Asia, Latin America and the United States.
As a jazz artist he has appeared throughout Europe, Central and South America, Asia, Canada, Africa, and the United States, including the Aspen Festival, IAJE conferences, and the International Society of Bassists Conventions. He has given concerts and master classes at prestigious institutions including Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, Symphony Space, Lincoln Center, Paris Conservatory, Janacek Academy, Berlin University of the Arts, China Conservatory, Beijing, and The Library of Congress.
Knific has toured and recorded with Dave Brubeck, Randy Brecker, Art Farmer, Billy Hart, Gene Bertoncini, Harvey Mason, John Abercrombie, Fred Hersch, Toots Thielemans, Eric Marienthal, Kenny Werner, and others. He is leader of the Western Jazz Quartet, a WMU faculty ensemble in residence, which has appeared world wide and received critical acclaim for their five CDs of original music.
He has taught at the Interlochen Arts Academy, Michigan State University, and the Cleveland Institute; he has given over 100 master classes world wide. Knific appears on over 25 CDs and has recorded for the Universal, Mercury, Polonia, Koch International, SMR, Jazzheads, Centaur, Azica, Naxos and Sea Breeze labels. A prolific composer, his works are published by Editions Delatour, Paris, and ISB Editions, Dallas.
His students perform in orchestras on three continents and have toured with major jazz artists including John Scofield and Betty Carter.
Knific′s teachers included Franco Petracchi, Eugene Levinson, Stuart Sankey, Lawrence Angell, Frank Deliberto, Jim Leihenseder, Bill Durango, and Dave Holland.
Knific is past president of the International Society of Bassists.
Email: thomas.knific@wmich.edu