Chris Thompson: Red Morning Rise (2005)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

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Published: September 30, 2005

Trumpeter Chris Thompson surrounds the satin-smooth tone of his horn with an array of contemporary musical sounds, both hip-hop and contemporary. Synthesized sounds and mechanical rhythms push his trumpet into the background at times, and they tend to be overwhelming. While the trumpeter's free-flowing melodies soar with a relaxed ease, his horn features are relegated to the background by a massive army of accompanying band sounds.

"Red Morning Rise" introduces exotic sounds from around the world as Thompson brings his trumpet into accord with the session's balance. Here, with the help of multitracking, he turns his open horn loose to roam free, while carrying a significant share of the composition's dynamic force.

A veteran of the New York jazz scene, Thompson, 47, attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston and earned his Fine Arts degree from City College of New York. The effusive Latin jazz scene of the city has captured his professional attention. It shows up in the manner in which the trumpeter pairs his horn's melodies with fiery rhythms and fast action.

"Journey by Night" borrows from the classic Miles Davis muted repertoire, while "Playground" hails from urban streets and hip-hop attire. Throughout most of the session, Thompson lets his melodies flow with open horn and a free spirit that respects lyric responsibility.

Audio samples are available from Chris Thompson on the web.

Track Listing: Shaken and Stirred; Watchdogs; Bossa Bayati; Shallow Waters; Playground; Red Morning Rise; Journey by Night; Double Up; Angel in the Middle.

Personnel: Chris Thompson: trumpet, bass, guitar, drums, keyboards, organ, congas.

Record Label: Groove Trumpet
Style: Contemporary/Smooth