Album Notes

NICKELS TO DIAMONDS - Michael Thompson & Friends- Live Performance Music by Request is a "FarmJazz Musicians Co-Op" Project ...features along w/ Michael, virtuoso mandolin artist Tony Williamson; bassist Robbie Link; harp & vibraphonist Mike Willis.MICHAEL THOMPSON holds the first Bachelor of Music degree in Guitar Performance from UNC at Chapel Hill: Winning 1st Place Guitar at the 50th Anniversary of the Union Grove World-Championship Ole-Time-Fiddlers Convention; acquiring a Master of Music in Music Education/Music Therapy at East Carolina University: and Visiting Artist with the NC Arts Council for over a decade: this modern musical Renaissance man draws from a wealth of professional and community performing experience. After touring for several years aboard the Mississippi Queen Riverboat, Michael returned to NC to pursue his interests in teaching, performing, recording, and "good-ole-country-living". In addition to teaching private lessons at Chatham Hall in Chatham, VA; and at the Kirby Gallery in Roxboro, NC; this multi-instrumentalist coordinates the "Farm-Jazz Musicians Co-Op & Social Club Project"; in which he books engagements, performs, and records with the many accomplished musicians he has befriended over the years. With jazz, swing, ragtime, "roots"--from Irish to blues--and classical music experiencing a "coming of age" among diverse audiences in the South: Michael's "Musicians Co-Op Project" & "Guitarchitect Productions" brings over four decades of virtuoso musicianship, versatility, sensitivity, and imagination to all these musical genres. Specializing in unique tonal blends, performance offerings can be customized and arranged to include: solos, duos, trios, & more: with instrument combinations of guitars, flute, harp, violin, banjo, mandolin, dobro, bass, keyboards, vibraphone, etc. With a genuine love of music and styles ranging from the 16th century to the present; Michael and "friends" bring together rarely heard combinations to create exciting new textures and energetic performances sure to inspire and delight audiences of all ages with their refreshing approach to 20th century performance practice. contact: MICHAEL@FARMJAZZ.COM