chris wong in sync

Multi-instrumentalist Don Thompson unequivocally ranks as one of Canada's finest straight ahead jazz musicians. The 61-year-old bassist, pianist and vibraphonist has worked as a leader and sideman on recordings and in live performances with a long list of greats. The list includes: John Handy, Paul Desmond, George Shearing, Jim Hall, Lenny Breau, Rob McConnell, Moe Koffman, Kenny Wheeler, Mel Torme, Jay McShann and more.

Given Thompson's impressive resumé, it's interesting to note his beginnings as a jazz player. In 1960, the then-20-year-old moved from Powell River to Vancouver, which had a thriving jazz scene at the time. By about 1963, Thompson was playing bass in a band led by trombonist and arranger/composer Dave Robbins. "At that point I could barely read music," says Thompson, on the phone from his home in Toronto. "I was just really learning how to play bass, so that was a really tough gig. But I got it together enough that I could get through the music."

Thompson did that and much more. In fact he went on to play extensively with Robbins, particularly on radio and television sessions at the CBC. So it's fitting that Thompson will be the special guest at a concert, Oct. 13 at Vancouver Community College's King Edward campus (second floor, 1155 E. Broadway), celebrating Robbins' remarkable life in music. Robbins will conduct a 19-piece big band with players such as Thompson on piano and vibes, bassist Paul Ruhland, trombonist Hugh Fraser, alto saxophonist Campbell Ryga and trumpeter Alan Matheson.

Back in the '60s Thompson played in the 12-piece band that Robbins led for the CBC's Jazz Workshop radio program. Thompson did many other performances with Robbins in ensembles ranging from small groups to large orchestras, which often played music that Robbins creatively arranged. "He was one of the best arrangers in the country," says Thompson. "He was also a fantastic musician. It could be absolutely guaranteed that anything he played was going to be beautiful music."

Thompson will contribute two of his own originals for the concert. The band will also premiere "Concertino for Jazz Orchestra", a new work by Ruhland, who was a key influence on Thompson. "I would just go down to the CBC studios and sit in the corner and listen to him play and watch his hands. He was absolutely amazingly good. As a composer, it was the same thing. He was years and years ahead of most of the guys writing music out there."

By the mid-'60s, Thompson was playing in the U.S. with saxophonist John Handy. After another stint in Vancouver during the late '60s, Thompson moved to Toronto, where he further developed as a thoughtful player on all three of his instruments. He continues to be in-demand as a musician and teacher. Robbins, who co-founded the VCC jazz and commercial music program in the '70s, has made an enormous contribution as an educator. With that in mind, proceeds from the concert will be used to establish a scholarship in Robbins' name.

Call (604) 871-7306 for information.

---

 

When major jazz artists play in town with local players, they typically perform nothing more than standards. That wasn't the case Sept. 19 when tenor saxophonist/clarinettist Joe Lovano collaborated with the Brad Turner Quartet at Capilano College Performing Arts Theatre. The musicians mainly did originals by Lovano, along with a tune by Turner and some standards.

Overall the results were sublime. Lovano played with the muscular sound and explosive approach to improvising that make him one of the world's premier jazz artists. Turner and bandmates Bruno Hubert, Dylan van der Schyff and André Lachance acquitted themselves well on the challenging material. The only downer was hearing Lovano's wife Judi Silvano sing throughout the second set. While Silvano has an original style, her high-pitched vocalizing and other mannerisms were hard on the ears.

As for upcoming Cap College shows, dynamic tenor saxophonist/clarinettist Bob Mintzer will perform Oct. 12 with the college's A band and faculty combo. The Yellowjackets member will play in the combo with pianist Chris Sigerson, bassist Chris Nelson and drummer Dave Robbins. Call (604) 990-7810 for tickets. Meanwhile, New York-based trumpeter Jim Rotondi will perform Oct. 12-13 at the Cellar. Rotondi isn't well-known, but he's an exceptional post-bop trumpeter. He'll play with pianist Tilden Webb, bassist Jody Proznik and drummer Blaine Wikjord. Call 738-1959 for reservations.

---

Some worthwhile world music shows are coming up.

Flamenco de la Misión consists of flamenco dancers, singers and musicians from Spain, France, Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. The group, featuring Spanish dancer Alejandro Granados, will perform Amistad Oct. 4-5 at Norman Rothstein Theatre and Oct. 6 at the Capilano College Theatre. For information, call (604) 734-7907.

If you weren't fortunate enough to hear Muzsikás last summer at Cap College, here's another opportunity to experience Hungarian folk music. Düvö, from Salgótarján, Hungary and Vancouver's Forrás will play Oct. 11 at the Our Lady of Hungary church hall (1810 E. 7th). A táncház (dance party) will follow their performances. Call (604) 941-5941 for info.

Carlos Bastidas is a busy guy. The musician from Colombia works as a high school music teacher and bassoonist with orchestras including the Vancouver Symphony. He also plays folk music. Bastidas, Sumalao and the Grupo America dance ensemble will perform in Concert for Peace in Colombia II, Oct. 12 at the Canadian Memorial United Church and Centre For Peace (1806 W. 15th). Call (604) 608-0544 for details.