If you’re a jazz fan you already know the name Don Thompson.
You know it well. The affable man from Powell River, B.C. has been a major player in Canada and beyond, for more than 50 years, starting off on the west coast and moving to Toronto in the late '60s, where he’s lived ever since.
He’s played with the who’s who of jazz, including Paul Desmond, John Handy, Zoot Sims, Sarah Vaughan, Maynard Ferguson, Kenny Wheeler, Art Farmer, Milt Jackson. In fact, it would probably be easier to come up with a list of artists he hasn't played with.
Don Thompson was a key member of the Rob McConnell's famed Boss Brass for more than 25 years as a bassist, pianist and percussionist. Ditto for jazz great Moe Koffman and his band. He’s also known for his work with guitarists Ed Bickert, Sonny Greenwich, Lenny Breau and Jim Hall.
In the 1980s Thompson gained international attention during the five years he spent touring and recording with pianist George Shearing, often with fellow Canadian Reg Schwager on guitar.
Yet for all that virtuosity, the hundreds of recordings, Junos, Grammys, and an Order of Canada, Don Thompson is known as one of the nicest, most approachable guys in the business. He lives in the same bungalow on the same tree lined Toronto street he’s lived in for something like 40 years. It's a busy place, where the door is always open to students, former students and friends.
For Don Thompson, passing on what you've learned is all part of the music too.
Don Thompson and Phil Dwyer are preparing for a B.C. tour of duo concerts in support of their CD "Look for the silver lining" set to be released May 1st.
http://music.cbc.ca/play/Inside-the-Music/My-Playlist-with-Jazz-great-Don-ThompsonListen to Inside the Music by clicking the play button and via Radio on Sunday 3 p.m. (3:30 NT) and Radio One on Sunday at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT).
Don's Playlist
"On the lam" Neil Swainson Quintet
"Manhattan in the Rain" Norma Winstone
"The low road" Brad Turner Quartet
"Memoria e Fado" Egberto Gismonti
"I've never been in love before" Reg Schwager
"Confirmation" Boss Brass
Links:
Don Thompson picks 10 essential jazz albums