Don Thompson has been one of the leading lights of the Canadian jazz scene for well over 35 years. A tireless performer and visionary artist on piano, bass, vibraphone, and drums, Don is also a consummate composer and arranger, considered one of Canada's most gifted jazz writers. Don's unique ability and distinct voice has landed him in groups with Paul Desmond, Lenny Breau, Clark Terry, Art Farmer, Milt Jackson, Kenny Wheeler, George Shearing, Sonny Greenwich and John Handy, just to name a few. A native of Powell River, B.C., Don moved to Vancouver in his late teens where he met and played with internationally renowned saxophonist John Handy, who invited him to join his group in San Francisco. Mr. Thompson's musical ability has carried him to stages throughout Europe, Japan, Brazil, the United States and Canada. For the past 35 years, Don has called Toronto his home. He performed as a regular in the Boss Brass, in the bands of Moe Koffman, Sonny Greenwich and, in the 1980's, as the ?other half' of the George Shearing duo, where he beautifully complemented the pianist's work, on both bass and piano. Don has forged himself a solid place in Canadian jazz history, but he has also become a loved and respected fixture in Toronto. Don is now recognized as an inspired jazz educator; adored by students, he currently teaches at Humber College, where his musical wisdom and experience is greatly appreciated by musicians and listeners alike.
Hey, Don! It was a great time last year when we play, recorded and had time sometime to talk (what is rare), in Toronto, me, you, Reg and Marcelo... I loved your songs, including "Snow Samba! Hope the CD with that name become real!!! All the best, ever...
Hi Don !!! It has been a while since I have seen you. I hope that everything is well:) It was nice to be able to listen to your music here. I hope to see you soon!
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Happy Christmas and a Happy new year! New sologuitarcd "Two days in august" at www. gason. se Own compositions and tunes like Bill Evans Very early, Mingus Goodbye porkpie hat, All the things you are with uptempo chordmelody and walkingbass. CD "For your dreams" with trumpetplayer Johan Nordfeldt is also available at www. gason. se
Hi Don, I was just listening to "Bird Bath" On jazz radio, What a fantastic piece. I must pick up this recording. You, Kenny Wheeler. I guess all the good guys were busy that day, HAHA. Just kidding it dos'nt get much better then that. by the way Dwayne Dolphin says hello. All the best Don. Stephen
I hope all is well. Its too bad, I haven't been back to Toronto in ages and I wish I would have kept in touch more with you. Life is great in Paris (6 years now!) and I am still shedding away...
Just wanted to let you know how amazing it was to study with you and I can't imagine how I would play otherwise. The knowledge you shared about standards and tunes is like gold to me :-)
Hi Don!! Did you catch "Taibele"'s CBC debut last night? They played the whole thing on "The Signal" with Laurie Brown! I'll be in touch....I still owe you a CD.
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