Piano: Don Thompson - Saxophone: Phil Dwyer - Doublebass: Jim Vivian - Drums: Terry Clarke
You Are The Song; April Snow; Waltz in 3/4 Time; Blues For Jim San; Another Rainy Day; Ask Me Later; Elis; Sunday Morning; Hot Chocolate
2010: Don Thompson became on officer of the Order of Canada!
Don Thompson is something of a Canadian legend. He is a brilliant pianist, bassist, vibraphonist and composer who has been at the forefront of the Canadian jazz scene for over forty years, yet he maintains a youthful vibrancy and enthusiasm. Thompson first came to international attention as a member of saxophonist John Handy’s quintet in San Francisco, in the middle ‘60s. Following that, he moved to Toronto, where he has been based since. He has been a constantly impressive presence leading his own groups in concerts and recordings, and sharing vibrant partnerships with colleagues from both Canada and abroad.
In this new CD on the CBC Records label, Ask Me Later, Thompson brings together three of his favourite musical partners – on saxophones Phil Dwyer, who Don claims, “without a doubt, is the most talented person I have met in all my years in music”; one of Canada’s finest bassists Jim Vivian; and on drums, Terry Clarke, probably Thompson’s oldest musical friend having played and worked together since 1962.
And what is this fabulous hand picked quartet playing? Well, that would be the music of Don Thompson. By turn the nine tracks recorded here display Don’s wonderful and at times somewhat challenging melodic line, harmonic sophistication, some fascinating influences from composers as diverse as Maurice Ravel to Kenny Wheeler, music that is soulful, loose and peaceful to joyous romps. Above all, here is music played with the highest level of skill, elegance, sophistication, and humour. Much like the man who composed it.
