John J.T. Thomas is a multi-talented keyboardist, known for his eclectic and soulful contributions to a variety of musical settings, especially as a member of Bruce Hornsby’s band since 1993. He was a previously keyboard technician for Don Henley and also played with Captain Beefheart.
Band member: 1993 –
Albums
- Hot House
- Spirit Trail
- Here Come the Noisemakers
- Big Swing Face (album)
- Greatest Radio Hits
- Halcyon Days (album)
- Levitate (album)
- Bride of the Noisemakers
- Rehab Reunion (album)
- Absolute Zero (album)
- Non-Secure Connection (album)
- Flicted
Instruments
J.T. Thomas bio
Early life and influences
J.T. Thomas grew up in Antelope Valley, where he developed an early fascination with music legends Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart, who also had roots in the area. Drawn first to Zappa’s intricate compositions, J.T. soon discovered Beefheart’s work and became captivated by its bold originality. By his late teens, after listening to albums like Trout Mask Replica, he fully appreciated Beefheart’s unique musical vision. This transformative experience sparked his appreciation for the eccentric and original elements of rock music.
Career beginnings
At 20, J.T. joined Captain Beefheart’s band, which included musicians from his hometown of Lancaster. He observed Beefheart’s unconventional creative process, where the maestro would hum or whistle musical phrases for his band members to play, often in mismatched time signatures. Initially perplexed by this randomness, J.T. soon recognised it as a vital part of Beefheart’s artistic vision. As he played the Mini Moog and Fender Rhodes with the band, he appreciated Beefheart’s abstract directions, which challenged him to explore unconventional sounds.
J.T.’s background in jazz piano, developed during his high school years, complemented his eclectic influences. Initially a “Zappa freak” and fan of the Beatles, he also explored stride piano, boogie-woogie, and jazz. Listening to masters like Erroll Garner, Art Tatum, and Johnny Guarnieri, Thomas balanced his love for popular rock with jazz virtuosity. His experience with Beefheart left a lasting impression on his understanding of music, inspiring a lifelong admiration for originality and innovation in rock and jazz, and shaping his musical identity as one of bold exploration and respect for artistic freedom.
His early career included connections with prominent musicians through Donna Loren, wife of Warner executive Lenny Waronker. While producing sessions for Loren in his 20s, J.T. honed his studio skills among seasoned industry figures, gaining an insider’s view of the music business and learning the value of adaptability. This blend of earnest musicianship, open-mindedness, and professional discipline has defined Thomas’s work, making him an ideal fit for the experimental yet grounded approach that artists like Beefheart and Bruce Hornsby require.
Transition to technical work
J.T. found himself unexpectedly stepping into the role of a keyboard tech for Don Henley during the “Building the Perfect Beast” tour, after a friend fell ill with spinal meningitis. Just three weeks before the tour was set to launch, J.T. was called in to cover the position. His friend’s sudden illness meant he had to quickly learn how to manage Henley’s new MIDI and sampler technology.
Joining Bruce Hornsby’s band
J.T. Thomas’s first encounter with Bruce Hornsby was through producing sessions for Donna Loren. Bruce had sent her an early cassette of his songs, including The River Runs Low, and Donna and J.T. recorded a version. Bruce later noted that J.T. was one of the few musicians to accurately cover any his songs on piano. He recalls this as a defining moment, meeting Bruce not as a bandleader but as a talented songwriter.
In 1989, as “The End of the Innocence” was nominated for Record of the Year at the Grammys, Bruce joined Henley’s band for a performance. Upon seeing J.T., Bruce asked if he could tune pianos for his upcoming tour. Although J.T. had no experience in piano tuning, he accepted the challenge.
For the next few months, J.T. Thomas traveled with Bruce and a Yamaha baby grand, hiring local tuners to learn the craft. By the time his tour with Bruce started, he had acquired enough skills to tune the piano himself, marking a significant step in his musical journey. This unconventional entry into Bruce Hornsby’s band set the stage for a rewarding collaboration.
Approach to music
J.T. embodies the philosophy of staying present in the moment, embracing the unknown, and challenging the constraints that come with experience. He has found that “baggage” accumulated over time can inhibit spontaneous and genuine musical expression. Instead, he seeks to approach each song as if it’s the first time he’s playing it, allowing him to surprise himself and, in turn, captivate his listeners. His mantra is influenced by the Zen saying, “In an expert’s mind few things are possible, but in a beginner’s mind, the possibilities are endless.”
J.T. Thomas legacy and impact
J.T. Thomas’s journey from a fan of Captain Beefheart to a key player in Bruce Hornsby’s band reflects his passion for music and commitment to learning. His unique path, filled with unexpected challenges and opportunities, highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in the music industry.
His story continues to inspire aspiring musicians and technicians alike, proving that sometimes the most remarkable journeys start through the back door.
J.T. Thomas is also an acclaimed composer, and wrote the arrangement for “Song F” on Halcyon Days, which was nominated for a Grammy in 2004. He also plays guitar on Levitate!
(As an aside, J.T. is one of the warmest characters I’ve ever met. He has been known to stand outside a concert directing traffic in the snow, imploring drivers to please travel safely. You don’t get that at every show!)
External links
Here’s J.T. Thomas’ discography.