​Tom Dempsey, Sten Hostfalt

Teaches at New York Jazz Academy

​Tom Dempsey
Guitarist Tom Dempsey’s reputation for hard swinging sophistication and pure musicality have made him a distinct voice in the New York jazz scene. Dempsey has performed and/or recorded with a virtual “Who’s Who” of world renowned jazz musicians including: George Coleman, Kenny Barron, Roy Haynes, Bobby McFerrin, Jack McDuff, Jim Hall, John Abercrombie, Brad Mehldau, John Scofield, Tal Farlow, Buddy Montgomery, Gerald Wilson, Mel Torme, Richard Wyands, Muhal Richard Abrams, and Dave Brubeck. 

He has recorded four CDs as a leader: What’s Going On (Citytone Records), Perspectives (Imaginary Records), Blues In The Slope (Igmod Records/TJD Music), If Only We Knew (TJD Music). Tom has also recorded as a sideman on many recordings. Since 1992, Tom has been performing as a leader and a sideman at some of the top jazz venues throughout the world including the JVC Jazz Festival, SF Jazz Festival, The Blue Note, Yoshi’s, Smalls, and Smoke. Tom is an Artist Endorsee for Thomastik-Infeld Strings. Known for his versatility as a musician Dempsey has made numerous appearances on New York radio and television including performances on The Rosie O’Donnell Show, the HBO series Sex and the City, and NPR. 

Sten Hostfalt
Internationally acclaimed guitarist, composer and bandleader Sten Hostfalt apprenticed in traditional jazz orchestras led by Phil Wilson, Herb Pomeroy and George Russell. He appeared as a leader, composer and featured soloist on recordings initiated by Paul Bley and Gary Burton and studied composition and improvisation with Jimmy Giuffre and Joe Maneri. Sten was introduced to the international jazz scene in the mid ’90s, alongside many of the new jazz generation’s most prolific players, as an original member of Guillermo Klein’s pioneering large ensemble. 

Since 1999, Sten has received numerous grants and awards for original projects and recordings, and he has been recognized by leading press as one of few guitarists worldwide to create and perform, with self-invented techniques for the standard 6-string, new original music beyond the equal tempered 12-tone system. Current work focuses on modern traditional jazz and original compositions based on standard jazz songs and forms