Tom Ollendorff

British Contemporary Jazz Guitarist | Composer | Educator

Biography

Tom Ollendorff is a London-based jazz guitarist and composer known for his fluid, highly lyrical phrasing, rich harmonic palette, and intricate fingerstyle technique. Blending post-bop sensibilities with modern jazz and classical counterpoint, Ollendorff has earned critical acclaim as one of the standout voices of his generation in contemporary jazz guitar.

A graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and recipient of the Yamaha Parliamentary Jazz Scholarship, Ollendorff is a frequent performer on international jazz stages and festivals. Alongside his performing and recording career, he serves as a visiting tutor at institutions including the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the Royal Academy of Music.

Bands & Key Personnel

Tom Ollendorff Trio

Tom Ollendorff – Guitar
Conor Chaplin – Double Bass / Electric Bass
Marc Michel – Drums

Notable Guests & Collaborations

Ari Hoenig – Drums (co-led project Enchanted)
Aaron Parks – Piano (featured on Where in the World)
James Maddren – Drums (featured on Where in the World)
Ben Wendel – Tenor Saxophone (featured on Open House)

Instruments, Gear & Affiliations

Instruments: Known for playing hand-crafted boutique archtops, prominently custom instruments by Italian luthier Nico Moffa (Moffa Guitars).
Yamaha Music: Recipient of the Yamaha Parliamentary Jazz Scholarship for Outstanding Jazz Musicianship.
Faber Music: Published author of jazz study books, including Etudes for Solo Guitar.

Selected Discography

Year	Title	Label / Format	Key Personnel
2021	A Song For You	Fresh Sound New Talent	Conor Chaplin, Marc Michel
2023	Open House	Fresh Sound New Talent	Conor Chaplin, Marc Michel, feat. Ben Wendel
2023	Enchanted	Fresh Sound New Talent	Ari Hoenig, Conor Chaplin
2025	Where In The World	Fresh Sound New Talent	Aaron Parks, Conor Chaplin, James Maddren
2026	Solo Volume 2	EP / Solo Release	Tom Ollendorff (Solo Guitar)