|
contents | jazz | |||||||||||||
| Jo Thompson At Blue Note Jazz Club Jo Thompson will bring her jazzy, classic style of swing and seasoned nightclub performance skills to New York's most famous jazz club, the Blue Note, New York, NY. She will be making a first time appearance on Sunday, October 29, '06. Backed by the JC Heard Jazz Orchestra directed by Walt Szymanski, the evening promises to be a throwback to the golden days of Manhattan hot spots where one would find the likes of Lena, Ellington, Basie and Sinatra thrilling audiences. "What I do and play is time-tested and comes from having been in show business for more than half a century, " notes Ms. Thompson. "One thing that I've learned is that although jazz music is a serious art form, it still can be entertaining. One's audience should always have fun--I know I do onstage!" A sleek and sexy 70-something, she is often described as a "piano playing Lena Horne, a singing Hazel Scott and a combination of all of the wonderful talents of Bobby Short." Thompson was the first singer to perform the classic, "For Once in My Life", whose composer Ron Miller said, "Jo Thompson sang it first and best!" Her impressive list of engagements has taken her all over the world from the Stork Room in England in the 40's to her most recent performance this year at New York's coveted Lincoln Center. To spend an evening with her and the big band is to experience a cavalcade of celebrated entertainers and musical influences from Fats Waller to Nat King Cole and from Louie Armstrong to Louie Jordan always channeled with her distinctive charisma. A veteran performer who Aretha Franklin said was a "true pioneer in show business" was one of the first African American musicians to be booked in Miami Beach's upper crust nightclub circuit. (She was the first black entertainer to perform at Miami's popular Cork Club!) Early in her career, she was mentored by Lionel Hampton and sang with the legendary Noble Sissle Orchestra. Currently, she is now under the masterful direction of trumpeter Walt Szymanski (who was also hand-picked by the late jazz great, drummer J.C. Heard to direct his big band as well as keep his beloved musical style alive.) write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |