Tom Billotto

artist bio:

More than 40 years of musical evolution incorporating an eclectic blend of influences have produced the precise and warm guitar and vocal style of Tom Billotto. “Charlotte’s Best” magazine voted him “Best Local Acoustic” musician… “Tom Billotto plays brilliant guitar and his mellow voice caresses many a song with sweet notes.”

Often described as “classy” and “tasteful,” Tom’s repertoire is diverse and his sound is mellow and best-suited for easy-listening venues and events. At the heart of this sound is Tom’s Classical Guitar – or “finger-style” – technique which uses the right hand to supply complex melody, rhythm and bass lines simultaneously. Tom’s sound took flight during formal music studies in college, culminating in a Music Performance Degree in Classical Guitar and Voice. Further influenced by the genius of Chet Atkins and countless jazz and classical virtuosos, and with vocal idols such as James Taylor, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, no wonder Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood Association’s newsletter refers to Tom as
“…the finest professional acoustic guitar player in town…”

Tom Billotto has passionately pursued a full-time music career for more than 40 years – 28 of those in Charlotte NC – averaging 150-200 performances per year in: restaurants; concerts; festivals; country clubs; private, corporate and fundraising events; wine rooms/ dinners/tastings; weddings; radio and TV. Tom has performed with Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis, Hugh Taylor (James’ brother) and regularly performs with Telly Award-winning and Grammy-and-Emmy awards-nominated percussionist Jim Brock.

Repertoire…

Jazz standards, Bossa Nova, James Taylor, Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Classic Pop,
Chet Atkins, Classical, Steely Dan, movie & TV themes, well-crafted originals . . .

A Tom Billotto performance can feature vocal and instrumental or exclusively instrumental works…in either case, always classy, classic and easy-listening, showcasing a versatile collection of works by some of the greatest composers. In addition, Tom is very proud of his many original compositions and arrangements of popular songs and jazz standards.