Born: June 15, 1955 Primary Instrument: Piano
TONY THOMPSON JAZZ PIANO, ORGAN, WRITER, TEACHER AND TECHNICIAN
Tony is a born ‘natural musician’ from North Carolina and started playing gigs at age 11. Jazz piano became his first love after the study of other instruments such as drums, accordion, guitar, viola and organ. The Tony Thompson Trio featuring Peter Innocenti on bass and Andy Trexler on drums perform as a ‘modern blend of fresh modal Jazz and soulful Blues’. Piano, bass and drums uniquely highlight Tony’s original contemporary arrangements for solo piano of popular American tunes like you’ve never heard before. Tony has produced four CD’s since establishing independent jazz record label ‘Tonymanmusic’ in 1999. Forever Charmed, a full length CD comprised totally of originals, has been aired frequently on NPR including their program ‘All Things Considered’. Original music from Tony’s last CD ( iKnow ) aired on Fox Network’s popular TV show ‘Fringe’. His CD’s are found on www.CDBaby.com/cd/tonythompson and downloads are available from 14 different internet sites including iTunes.
Since 1989 Tony Thompson has performed at many regional jazz and local establishments such as Bogarts, Amra’s, CGrace, Prime Smokehouse, Sullivan’s and often shared the stage with legendary jazz Titans such as trumpet player Tom Browne. Recently Tony has worked at jazz festivals such as the Hartford Jazz Fest as a side man for trumpeter Cindy Bradley, 2010 winner American Smooth Jazz New Artist. He also toured playing organ with international Blues Jazz guitarist, Calvin Edwards, and has worked with saxophonist Phillip Doc Martin and singer song writer Paula Atherton. Various venues recently include the Annual NC Jazz and Wine Festival, Rock Hill Blues and Jazz Festival, Party on the Plank Music Festival in High Point NC, Fall for Greenville (SC), South Carolina Jazz Festival, Jazz by the Lake Festival, Fayetteville State University Jazz Series and Jazzed Tapas Savannah, GA.
Tony graduated from UNC Greensboro where he studied music and business. He owns a piano service company and as a piano technician has rebuilt pianos, tuned and voiced for many concert artists including Victor Borga, Peter Nero, The Beau Arts Trio, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, The Commodores, Weather Report and countless others. Tony is also a private piano teacher of classical and jazz piano with a unique approach to ear training based on the methods used by professional jazz musicians. Favorite educational experiences include the study of the Dorothy Taubman Technique for piano, work with music producer Ivan Hamden, organ study with Tony Monaco and jazz master classes with jazz pianist Barry Harris. Tony is a Craftsman Member of the Piano Technicians Guild, member of the Music Teachers National Association and the AGO American Guild of Organists.
Tony plans to produce his 5th CD this winter- solo piano capturing different Jazz styles such as blues, ballad, modal and contemporary tunes. Tony would be delighted to perform at your event either as a solo artist or with his Trio and is best contacted by email tonyt-pianojazz@mindspring.com or phone/text (919) 816 7798.
THE INDEPENDENT 'For those who think you have to go to New York to hear great jazz, North Carolina continues to provide ample evidence to the contrary'
THE NEWS AND OBSERVER RALEIGH 'Thompson's spare single line approach is well edited and fluent'
CARY NEWS 'The music itself has a shine to it. Thompson's a jazzman influenced by Quincy Jones, Miles Davis, and Wayne Shorter but he's not a purist.'
Primary Instrument:
Piano
Location:
Cary, NC
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
Credentials/Background:
Private piano teacher of classical and jazz piano with a unique approach to ear training based on the methods used by professional jazz musicians. By appointment at your residence. 919 816 7798
Member Piano Technicians Guild, member of the Music Teachers National Association and the AGO American Guild of Organists.
