Photo of Rodney Thompson

Rodney Thompson

Music

FEATURED SONG
  1. Play
  2. Play Next
  3. Add to queue
Album:
Released: Jan 1, 2006
Label:

General Info

  • Genre: Experimental / Jazz / Nu-Jazz

    Location ARLINGTON, Texas, US

    Profile Views: 14787

    Last Login: 5/14/2010

    Member Since 10/11/2006

    Website www.rodneythompson.net

    Record Label unsigned

    Type of Label Unsigned

  • Bio

    ..Although Texas is known for its blues and country artists, talented keyboardist Rodney Thompson shows it may be a great melting pot for jazz as well. His “Define Smooth” album is exactly that, smooth and filled with hints of gospel, soul, and R&B. “Forever in Your Eyes” features an alluring sax which is gracefully layered with smooth and silky vocals. Blending R&B with the sounds of Thelonious Monk, “749” features some of Thompson’s best keyboard work and highlights that classic jazz songwriting form that separates this genre from blues or rock. Whether you are just looking to relax or hear some exceptional keyboards playing, then “Define Smooth” should be your next CD purchase. ..-Shaun and the Radioindy. com Reviewer Team Rodney Thompson's cd, "Define Smooth", is a wonderful cd to listen to, anytime of the day. Rodney has a beautiful style of playing and it feels like he's right there with you, and as I listened more and more to this project, I did feel comparisons to other artists. But all that was the creative juices pouring out of Rodney in the form of music that has generated 11 tracks of nice and smooth songs to listen to on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Songs like "Don't Change", "Give The Choir A Break", "Definition Of Smooth", & "Framed" are the up-beat but in a laid-back Manner. He is also complimented on certain tracks by the sax playing of Quamon Fowler and other tracks by LuMark Gulley, Joseph Toliver, & Montree Cooper. Other fantastic songs are "Delicate Style", "Another Gulley", "749", "Smooth Interlude", "Soulfilled", & "Lady At Daisy's" These songs demonstrates the ease that Rodney plays into these complex songs. Rodney keeps the groove consistent throughout the cd and brings a bright spot into the smooth jazz arena. I hope Rodney keeps putting out cd's like this one. Marvin Dickey The Urban Music Scene What a great sound you have, I have played several of your tracks to date and plan to schedule more in future programs. Keep up the good work and please keep me up to date with your progress Michael Criddle OzRadio ozradio@ozisp.com.au Define Smooth Rodney Thompson’s Define Smooth is a clear winner for the smooth jazz genre. From the moment he hits the opening notes of each song the mind is comfortable with what is to come next. Each piece is layered with beautiful pianistic or keyboard textures. The backing musicians certainly augment what Thompson is trying to achieve with each piece. I particular enjoyed Don’t Change, Forever In Your Eyes and Lady At Daisy’s. On my programme I have featured Don’t Change, Give The Band A Break, Delicate Style, Definition Of Smooth, Framed, Soulfilled and Lady At Daisy’s. This cd will not only be a favourite of smooth jazz stations but in coffee shops and restaurants where mood and intimacy are paramount. Thompson is so cool you can almost imagine him giving a wink after each tune. John Holden 2CCR FM 90.5. Born in the small town of Eufaula, Alabama, Rodney had very little exposure to jazz. His interest in the piano began at age 10 while visiting his uncle in Miami. It was then that he taught himself how to read music. At age 12 he began playing the tuba for his middle school marching and concert band. Saxophonist Greg Faulkner was Rodney's band director and it was at this time that he introduced Rodney to jazz. By the end of high school he began listening and learning music by Spyro Gyro, John Coltrane and Bob James. While receiving a music education degree at Alabama A&M University, Rodney was exposed to a number of great jazz artists and performed with artists such as Ruben Studdard, Kelvin Wooten, Ken Watters, Milachi Thompson and many others. After graduation Rodney headed to Texas to teach band. Eventually ending up in Dallas, Rodney continued to perform, learn and open up with big name artists such as Miles Jaye, Roger Boykin, Marchel Ivery, Stefon Harris, Bobby Rush and others. This year Rodney will release his second Smooth Jazz Album entitled "Define Smooth". The album features drummer extraordinaire Lumark Gulley, and 3rd place winner of the Thelonius Monk completion Texas Tenor saxophone Qwamon Folwer. Rodney although considered a Jazz pianist has performed with a variety of different genres including R&B, gospel, country, blues and Latin. Define Smooth is rated by listener as a very relaxing and smooth CD. Through deep study in theory Rodney has composed music in a very diverse manner.
  • Members

    Rodney Thompson
  • Influences

    Cyrus Chestnut, Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Kelvin Wooten, Kenny Garrett, Stevie Wonder, Najje, Bernard Wright, Miles Davis, Trane, Branford and Wynton Marsalis, Chopin, Beethoven, Pat Methany, Spyro Gyro, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Roger Boykin, Monk, Mint Condition, Bob James and many others
  • Sounds Like

    Rodney

Comments

Post a comment...
10 of 622More

Login

Forgot password?

Need an account? Sign up