Tom gained a scholarship place on the Undergraduate Jazz Programme at the Royal Academy of Music in 2013 earning a First Class Hons degree in 2017. During his time at the Academy, Tom slowly became recognised as one of the most exciting players on the international jazz scene. Tom released his Kenny Wheeler Prize winning album BLOOMER on Edition Records back in 2018. Tom also enjoys co-leading AuB- who released their debut album in May 2020, also on Edition Records, with another album in the works.

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Previous performance highlights have included multiple performances at Ronnie Scott’s (Billy Cobham Big Band, Gigs under Tom's Name, The London Super Sax Project), The Royal Albert Hall (BBC Proms, Guy Barker Big Band, Ronnie Scott's 60th Anniversary concert), and multiple international tours with artists such as Bill McHenry, Gerald Cleaver, and Joel Harrison.

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Tom's session work has included recording woodwinds for the "LEGO Marvel Superheroes 2" and "LEGO DC Villians" console game soundtracks, TV appearance with Tom Fletcher (Blue Peter), horn section playing on Juniper- Album by slowly rolling camera and a live performance with The Temptations. ​​

 

Tom is proud to be a D'addario Woodwinds Artist

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"Original composition ‘Doggerland’ unleashes Barford’s unyielding tone, filling the room as he thematically darts between bop and abstract language." JAZZWISE

 

"A strikingly large new British jazz talent arrives with saxophonist Tom Barford" WRITTEN IN MUSIC

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"We are witnessing the birth of a new star in the jazz firmament." EVAN PARKER

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“Bloomer is possessed with an overarching and consistent vibrancy which is clearly indicative of even greater things to come from this talented musician.” ALL ABOUT JAZZ (UK)

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‘A wonderful young player. It’s so exciting to hear him grow!’ STAN SULZAMNN