Jazz Articles about Don Thompson

Guido Basso: One More For The Road

by Pierre Giroux
September 1, 2023

Guido Basso, known for his mastery of the flugelhorn and trumpet, died in February of 2023. From his earliest days in Montreal playing with the Maury Kaye band, to working in the US with top performers such Vic Damone and Pearl Bailey, Basso gained a reputation as a consummate musician who was capable of working in a variety of settings. Deciding not to remain in the U.S., Basso returned to Canada and settled in Toronto. Here, he established himself as ...

Paul Desmond: The Complete 1975 Toronto Recordings

by C. Andrew Hovan
January 4, 2021

Even if he had never played another note following the break-up of the Dave Brubeck group in 1967, alto saxophonist Paul Desmond would have entered the history books as one of music's most brilliant improvisers. During his 17 years with Brubeck, Desmond proved himself to be an indispensable part of that quartet with a wistful and witty sound that he himself described as akin to a “dry martini." Fortunately, Desmond continued to add to his legacy starting in ...

Don Thompson / Reg Schwager: One Take Volume Three

by Martin Gladu
August 20, 2007

"I'll just start to play something. You'll know this," chuckles bassist Don Thompson before introducing “Alice In Wonderland," while guitarist Reg Schwager intently listens. Spontaneity, interaction, instrumental mastery, the blues and a seemingly unlimited repertoire of tunes all come to mind to the well-read jazz music fan. But, less known are the taxing sessions and late night gigs musicians mandatorily go through learning to create this music on a whim--moreover, looking debonair doing it. With chance, a deeper connection between ...

Don Thompson: Ask Me Later

by Martin Gladu
August 8, 2006

Ask Me Later, an all-Canadian project, swings as much as it is lyrical. Released on the state-owned CBC Records' quiet but qualitative jazz schedule, it eloquently demonstrates the breadth of Canada's most seasoned and able contemporary jazz talents. (The disc was awarded a Juno at the 2006 awards ceremony.)

The multi-talented Don Thompson (a pianist, vibraphonist, bassist, composer, arranger and teacher) is known internationally mainly for his stints with Jim Hall, George Shearing and Kenny Wheeler, with whom ...