Charles Thompson (jazz)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Charles Phillip Thompson (born Springfield, Ohio, 21 March 1918), is an American swing and bebop pianist, organist and arranger.
He was a professional pianist from the age of 10. By the age of twelve Thompson was playing private parties with Bennie Moten and his band in Colorado Springs. During this time Count Basie played off and on with Moten's band, and during a showing Basie called the young Thompson up to play. He was dubbed Sir Charles Thompson by Lester Young years later.
Thompson composed the jazz standard "Robbins' Nest." He has chiefly worked with small groups, although he belonged to the Coleman Hawkins/Howard McGhee band in 1944-1945. Throughout the 40's he did several recordings with such giants as Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon and J.C. Heard. Today Thompson lives in California.
[edit] Discography
- Takin' Off - Delmark Apollo Series
- Robbins' Nest: Live at the Jazz Showcase - Delmark
- I Got Rhythm: Live at the Jazz Showcase - (with Eric Schneider) Delmark
