THOMAS ARMSTRONG
has twice visited Brazil to study percussion with masters from the Northeast and from Rio de Janeiro - most notably, Robertinho Silva, and Celsinho do Pandeiro.

A major facet in the Northwest's Brazilian music scene, Tom not only freelances at times with Jovino Santos Neto Quinteto and other local Brazilian artists, but is also a founding member of the samba drum quartet, Sambaleiro and the Brazilian choro band Vira Lata. He is also a member of the band Quasi Nada. Although also a performer of Brazilian and jazz music on drum-set, Tom focuses mainly on the pandeiro (Brazilian frame drum) and incorporates techniques from his years of improvising in different styles of music. Tom also brings his love of song to the group with his swinging vocal style.