Don Thompson

by Dan Cross
 
One of the few multi-instrumentalists who sounds virtuosic on each chosen instrument, Don Thompson has made significant musical contributions on vibes, bass, and piano. His uncanny ability to move flawlessly from instrument to instrument has made him a valued sideman on the Toronto, and international, jazz scene.
 
Thompson was born in Powell River, British Columbia, in 1940. By 1960, he had begun working steadily as a freelance musician, at this point, mainly on bass. In 1965, Thompson joined the now legendary John Handy Quintet and moved to San Francisco. During his tenure with the Handy band, Thompson appeared on several recordings, most notably the infamous John Handy live at the Monterey Jazz Festival.
 
Thomspon returned to Toronto in 1967, and since 1969 has been a resident of Toronto. In 1974, Thompson became a member of guitarist Jim Hall's trio, primarily as a bassist. In 1982 he joined pianist George Shearing's band, a position he held for a five year period. Since returning to Toronto, Thompson's lengthy musical collaborations have included work with, amongst others, Canadians Rob McConnell, Moe Koffman, Ed Bickert, Lenny Breau, and Sonny Greenwich. Thompson's long list of musical associations include performances (and often recordings) with; Paul Desmond, Milt Jackson, Art Farmer, James Moody, Zoot Sims, Clark Terry, Harry Edison, Frank Rosolino, Slide Hampton, Lee Konitz, Sarah Vaughan, Red Rodney, Joe Henderson, Dewey Redman, Red Mitchell, and Kenny Wheeler.