Thomas William Fowler (June 10, 1951 – July 2, 2024) was an American bass guitarist. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, he started playing the violin at age six, before picking up the upright bass, and finally electric bass at age 16.[1] He played with It's a Beautiful Day, Frank Zappa, The Mothers of Invention, Jean-Luc Ponty, Ray Charles, Steve Hackett, and many others. He had four brothers, including trombonist Bruce and trumpeter Walt Fowler.

Tom Fowler
Birth nameThomas William Fowler
Born(1951-06-10)June 10, 1951
Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
DiedJuly 2, 2024(2024-07-02) (aged 73)
GenresRock, jazz, R&B, experimental
OccupationsMusician
InstrumentsBass
Years active1971–2024
Formerly ofIt's a Beautiful Day, Air Pocket, The Mothers Of Invention, Banned From Utopia

Fowler also recorded albums with Air Pocket, a band including his siblings among others. Fowler died following complications from an aneurysm on July 2, 2024, at the age of 73.[2][3]

Discography

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With It's A Beautiful Day

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  • Choice Quality Stuff/Anytime – 1971
  • At Carnegie Hall – 1972

With Frank Zappa/The Mothers Of Invention

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With Air Pocket/The Fowler Brothers

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  • Fly On – 1975
  • Hunter – 1985
  • Breakfast For Dinosaurs – 1988

With George Duke

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With Jean-Luc Ponty

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With Steve Hackett

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With Bruce Fowler

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  • Ants Can Count – 1990
  • “Entropy” - 1993

With Steve Fowler

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  • Last Blue Sky – 1991

With Don Preston

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  • Vial Foamy Ectoplasm – 1993

With Ray Charles

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With Tom Fowler Interface

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References

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  1. ^ "2000–03 The Be-Bop Bass Notes: Tom Fowler Interview". www.afka.net. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  2. ^ Kevin Johnson (July 4, 2024). "In Memoriam: Tom Fowler". No Treble.
  3. ^ Moody, Dennis (July 4, 2024). "Tom Fowler". Facebook.
  4. ^ "Tom Fowler Interface – Let's Start Over (2011, CD)". Discogs. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
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