Thomas Jordan
Band
Biography
If ever timing was key in presenting life in story-form that grips the heart, singer/songwriter Thomas J. Lokensgard is the quintessential essence of timing. In the summer of 2001, the Thomas Jordan Band first performed at the Avalon Event Center in Fargo, with national speaker Darryl Scott in remembrance of the Columbine tragedy. In light of the most recent crisis, the Virginia Tech University tragedy, the band’s themed messages and song writing, again, brings hope and healing for a troubled Nation.
Minneapolis born, Thomas J. Lokensgard began tampering with music at a young age. Playing in acoustic and electric bands in both high school and college years, he later began touring the acoustic coffee house circuit. However, this self-taught guitar player did not initially choose to pursue his music full time. Instead, he earned a doctorate in dentistry and later a doctorate in nutritional medicine. He married, relocated to Park Rapids, Minnesota with his family—but Thomas never deserted his love of song writing.
“This is about following a dream,” says Thomas. With a sincere devotion to Christianity, Thomas’s music is not preachy or pedantic. “The goal is to cause a heartfelt shift in the mind of the listener through songwriting--I wanted to do something that would reflect all the challenges and blessings of being a songwriter in this modern age…hopefully, the result is both stimulating and compelling.”
Thomas’s music began to circulate, grabbing the attention of Los Angeles music producer, David Grow, who now resides in Nashville. His credits include A/C radio favorite Jim Brickman, All 4 One, Linda Eder, Carly Simon and Michael W. Smith. David became an instant fan. “I was blown away by Thomas’ voice and presence,” Grow says, “and the songs had a wonderful pop accessibility while not being cloying. I was instantly hooked.” The record impressed industry colleagues like Jim Brickman (Windham Hill), who was captured by Jordan’s music. “I love the songs and Thomas’ voice,” Brickman comments. “Day by Day is a smash—I want to do it on my record.”
David Grow invited Thomas to his Los Angeles studio to record his first debut album. This evolved into a musical undertaking in which Thomas commuted weekends to Los Angeles and Nashville, writing and recording.“We didn’t wait for label involvement,” Grow explains, “because we figured we had something and had a shared vision of where to go with it.” The result, Day by Day, is an uncompromising pop record reminiscent of the classic works of Kenny Loggins or James Taylor that combines the narrating of practical, hypothetical reality and an unapologetically Christian message.
Becoming deeply involved with the project, Grow secured notable talent in the recording of the project. Eric Rigler provides authentic ethnic spice with the uillean pipes. Rigler’s playing graces the Celine Dion mega-hit “My Heart Will Go On,” Phil Collins’ “True Colors,” soundtrack recordings on movie scores Braveheart and Titanic, and live performances with Barbra Streisand and Mariah Carey. Other performers on the project include Jörgen Carlson (Five For Fighting) on bass; drums by Greg Bissonette (Santana, Toto, David Lee Roth), David Salinas (Donny Osmond) and Jim Carr (Jake Rice Band); saxophonist Mark Hollingsworth (Bette Midler & Stevie Wonder); guitarists Nick Brown (Donna Summer) and Bruce Watson (Rod Stewart). Back up vocals by contemporary Christian artist, Joanna Carlson (Reunion Records), actress/singer DD Howard, and Jennifer Gross (Jackson Browne). Band members, Randy Comfort, lead guitar, Jordan Thomas Lokensgard, drums, and Joshua Michael, bass, complete the project.
Regional and National Christian radio has been embracing this independent project with moderate to heavy rotational airplay in Minnesota and thirty seven states from California to New York. Thomas has given numerous radio interviews, including KBGY, Minneapolis; KCFB, St. Cloud; KTIG, Pequot Lakes; KBHL--Praise FM, Osakis; KXRA, Alexandria; KKEQ, Fosston; KFNW, Fargo, ND; and Q107.1, live from the Nashville GMA Access.
The title song, Day by Day, has aired in Minnesota in heavy rotation on popular Christian stations including KJLY, Blue Earth, MN, where it has reached number two on their charts. Additional reporting stations, such as KFSI, Rochester, were playing the CD on their stations as well.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) discovered him and invited him to give an interview with Julia Zaher for the nationally syndicated program Decision Today. “There are so many good songs on this CD—Thomas, you’ve really got a gift!” says Zaher. The band has performed twice at the Billy Graham Evangelical Association events in Minneapolis. The Thomas Jordan Band appeared at Spirit Fest Midwest in July 2001 and 2002, which also featured nationally-known artists Michael W. Smith, Avalon, Jennifer Knapp, Sara Groves, Newsboys, Nicole C. Mullen, Third Day, Bryan Duncan, Steven Curtis Chapman and more. The group was also invited to appear at AtlantaFest in June 2002. In 2003, CBN came to Thomas’ home where they did a feature story for the 700 Club, which aired that fall. The band has recently re-recorded the smash hit Turn, Turn, Turn, as a single release.
Now, as a result of the new musical demands and the necessity to devote themselves more fully to promoting the record, the Thomas Jordan Band has been re-assembled. The members of the band share the passion and joy of live performance and delivering themed messages such as, reconciliation, forgiveness, restlessness and matters of the heart, that first brought them recognition. “This is a lifelong dream,” says Thomas. “As in our faith in Christ, we run a long race—this race is not linear and has it’s ups and down’s. It is a day to day battle. It has certainly been that for me. Whatever happens, I’m grateful to have gotten this far.”
Most recently, the Thomas Jordan Band has regrouped for a spring, summer and fall tour to include the same venues as before, plus some new ventures. The band is performing for benefit concerts, coffee houses, church functions, community and high school events and by personal invitation by contacting
David Grow 818.216.6319 at Howling Music Group, Inc., Nashville, TN
The Thomas Jordan Band has chosen a journey.
Let their music inspire you, as you travel your journey—Day by Day