Tommy Carroll is a Chicago-based drummer and bandleader working primarily in the areas of improvised music, folkloric percussion and experimental rock. He leads Calculated Discomfort, an electro-acoustic ensemble showcasing his cinematic compositions, and Prosthetic, a futuristic dance band. He has released six albums and performed on more than 30 recordings as a collaborator in styles ranging from Puerto Rican folk to indie rock to modern hip hop. Described by the Chicago Reader as a workhorse drummer, Tommy can be found performing all around the city and the Midwest. As a totally blind musician, Tommy strives to promote the ingenuity of disability culture and joy of improvisation in all he does.

Tommy’s bands have been featured by major Chicago performance series. In January 2024, Calculated Discomfort performed a 90 minute multi-gallery concert at the Art Institute of Chicago’s Cripping the Galleries series. In August 2022, Prosthetic and Calculated Discomfort presented a joint concert in Grant Park as part of the Chicago Summer Dance series. In February 2019, Calculated Discomfort gave a concert as part of the Steppenwolf Theater’s LookOut Series. Tommy has presented music in most of the city’s clubs, bars and galleries both large and small.

Tommy’s albums as a bandleader focus on dance music and improvisation. Dances for Different Bodies (2021) and Not Amazing (2017) set narrative about disability culture to a groove-based backdrop. Listening (2019) is a collection of soulful vocal-based songs. Prosthetic (2022), Original Medicine (2021) and Calculated Discomfort (2018) highlight different approaches to musical improvisation. The forthcoming album the Harmony of Rhythm is a direct sequel to the original Calculated Discomfort album.

Tommy has recorded and performed drums for many bands, singers, soundtracks and theatrical productions. He currently performs with Latin alternative band Raro, Puerto Rican folk act Piraguas y Piropos, bassist / songwriter Lyn Rye, and percussionist Victoria Djembe among many other bands and ensembles.

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