Thomas Milovac is a bassist, composer, arranger, and improvisor based out of Jacksonville, Florida. He has roots in the jazz tradition as well as a deep passion for musical and sonic exploration. Consistently looking forward, his work encompasses elements of many styles, colors, textures, instrumentations and settings.
As well as performing solo and ensemble performances, he has been the curator of the ongoing Backroom Series promoting creative music in Jacksonville.
Milovac is constantly experimenting with new sonic possibilities and ensemble configurations. He is a prominent member of other regular projects and ensembles including improv collective BONGUS (with Syoma Klochko and Zach Muth), Crux (with Leo Suarez and Alex Ravitz) and the Backdoor Stompers traditional jazz ensemble based out of Jacksonville.
He has also led various ensembles ranging from an improv orchestra to a nine-piece “small big band” as well as various duos which have performed his own arrangements and compositions and have received awards and statewide recognition for their blending of styles, creative arrangements, sonic contour, wide use of coloration, and talented playing by the featured musicians.
Milovac has performed alongside trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, Saxophonist Chad Lefkowitz – Brown, composer Renee Baker, Vincent Gardner, Les DeMerle, New York improvisor Steve Swell, saxophonist Jamison Williams, composer Elizabeth Baker, Andre Gruber, Madre Vaca, composer Sean Hamilton, and numerous collaborations with musicians of many styles.
He has appeared at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival performing with local ensembles. In high school, he performed in the All State Jazz Band and the University of Central Florida’s All-Star High School Jazztet. He has also performed as part of the bass section with the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra. He has been the recipient of the Amelia Island Jazz Scholarship.
He is currently studying to get his B.M. in Jazz Studies at the University of North Florida. He has studied under the tutelage of Dennis Marks, Lynne Arriale, and Dr. Gary Smart.
As a passionate student of music, Thomas has been able to pass on his knowledge to younger musicians by teaching younger musicians in school music programs. He has also provided private instruction in double bass, bass guitar, music theory and composition.
Website: www.thomasmilovacmusic.com
