Tom's Diner | skipmartinmusic

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

'TOM'S DINER'

“My first voice was the trumpet. I had to honor that.”

Skip Martin

Former Lead Singer Kool & The Gang / The Dazz Band

Toms Diner Vinyl Jacket PRINT_edited_edi

LISTEN TO 'TOM'S DINER'

"Skip, I'm honored to get a sneak peek of your latest Album. I just listened and was knocked out. It's like Jazz was standing on the corner of Kool and Smooth Street... surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors. You're creating a lane of your own as you drive, and I love that for you! Congratulations on your continued journey, and thanks again for the kind words and love you shared with me this morning."

Scott Groseclose

Family Music Center

WATCH 'TOM'S DINER' NOW

Credits

Executive Produced by Skip Martin

Produced by Skip Martin, Tom Schuman

Trumpet. Vocals & Arrangement: Skip Martin

Engineers: Jack "JackEL" Lozeron, Clarence "Dr. Bobb" Ross, Tom Schuman

Mixing: Jack "JackEL" Lozeron, Clarence "Dr. Bobb" Ross, Tom Schuman

Mastering: Herb Powers (Tom's Diner-Single), Jack "JackEL" Lozeron & Tom Schuman

Vinyl Mastered by Phil Soussan for Blue Cat Tales

Photo Credit: Shawn Blair

Artwork: Jonathan Moskaluk, Kill The Box Design

About This Project

Skip Martin, Grammy & Emmy Award-winning vocalist, trumpeter, songwriter, and producer—best known for his legendary tenure as lead singer & trumpeter with Kool & the Gang and The Dazz Band—returns with a bold new solo project: Tom’s Diner. This genre-blending smooth jazz album is a vibrant tribute to timeless songwriting, anchored by Martin’s love of melody and his "first voice": the trumpet.

Inspired by Suzanne Vega’s iconic hit, the lead single “Tom’s Diner” showcases Martin’s masterful reinterpretation, bringing a fresh, jazzy energy to the classic while preserving its hypnotic charm. Released earlier this year, the track features a standout trumpet performance and set the stage for the full album’s colorful journey.

The album features Marlon McClain, who offers the incredible guitar heard on the “Tom’s Diner” track, Tom Schuman of Spyro Gyra and the late Wayman Tisdale.

‘Tom’s Diner’ offers several singles including “Rise,” “Let’s Wait Awhile, ” “Summer”, a nod to Kool & the Gang’s “Summer Madness," and a smooth jazz rendition of a longstanding favorite “Tom’s Diner” featuring McClain, a member of the Pleasure and The Dazz Band. The new release has already received incredible feedback from listeners around the world, being hailed as a stunning instrumental interpretation of Suzanne Vega’s original song.

According to Martin, the decision to release a version of Vega’s “Tom’s Diner” came because, like many, he’s always enjoyed the song. He decided to capture it in his own style while honoring his first voice, the trumpet. The album ‘Tom’s Diner’ officially

launched on June 25, 2025, and is available on all major streaming sites. The official video for the namesake single has already been released on YouTube, giving fans everywhere a first glimpse of this reinvigorated classic.

About The Artist

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Skip Martin is a Grammy & Emmy Award winning artist, singer, trumpeter, songwriter, producer and author, best known for his tenure as a lead singer and trumpeter for two legendary groups, Kool & the Gang and The Dazz Band. His achievements include Platinum & Gold Record recipient, R&B Song of the Year, six consecutive Top 100 albums, two Top 100 singles, to name a few. As a trumpeter, Skip's love of jazz can be seen with his collaborations with 10-time Grammy Award Winner Arturo Sandoval, 13-time Grammy Nominee Tom Schuman of Spyro Gyra, Rocco Prestia of Tower of Power, Wayman Tisdale, Ronnie Laws, Al McKay, and Rickey Lawson. He is also a Special Honorary Member of the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band. Skip Martin has over 65 albums to his credit ranging from R & B, Jazz, Pop, Hip-Hop, Gospel to EDM.

About The Featured Artists

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Summer (ft. Tom Schuman)

Tom Schuman is a 13-time Grammy-nominated keyboardist, songwriter and co-producer for Spyro Gyra. 'Morning Dance' and 'Catching the Sun' firmly established Spyro Gyra as one of the most prolific groups in contemporary jazz history. With over 31 albums and over 10 million copies sold, including one platinum and two gold records, Spyro Gyra helped influence the smooth-jazz' genre. Besides his work with Spyro Gyra, Tom has recorded 7 solo projects and works with artists from around the world in his self-made SchuBox Studio.

Tom's Diner (ft. Marlon McClain)

Marlon McClain is a renowned guitarist, songwriter, and producer best known for his work with the pioneering funk and R&B bands Pleasure and the Grammy-winning Dazz Band. As a founding member of Pleasure, McClain helped shape the band’s signature blend of jazz, funk, and soul, contributing to classics like “Glide” and “Joyous.” He later joined the Dazz Band, known for their hit “Let It Whip,” adding his distinct sound to their electrifying stage presence and chart-topping success. With a career spanning decades, McClain has worked with a wide range of artists across genres and continues to produce, record, and innovate through his solo projects and collaborations.

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Are You Ready (ft Wayman Tisdale)
Wayman Tisdale was a chart-topping jazz bassist and former NBA star whose smooth, melodic playing helped redefine contemporary jazz. After a standout 12-year professional basketball career, Tisdale fully embraced his lifelong passion for music, releasing 8 acclaimed albums that blended funk, soul, and jazz with signature warmth and groove. His breakout album Power Forward and the No. 1 Billboard jazz hit Ain’t No Stoppin’ Me Now solidified his place among the genre’s elite. Known for his infectious spirit and uplifting sound, Wayman collaborated with top artists and left an indelible mark on the world of smooth jazz.

All Things 'Tom's Diner'

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

"It's a great project with good recording!

Arturo Sandoval-10-time Grammy Award Winner

“Tom's Diner” contains so much in such a short ride…the train of life keeps moving and it’s up to all of us to invite everyone on that journey. This song makes that dream feel and sound possible.

Garth Thomas-Hollywood Digest