Album Notes

Tony Thompson was born into a musical family. By age 11 he was performing in a professional dance band on drums. Driven by his great love for blues he also played guitar and piano. He initiated his first band around age 13 to play blues and early rock and roll. He played behind country music star Bobby Bare and opened for Jeannie C. Riley at age 13. Today he is glad to say that he is mentioned in the same breath with many of the top names in jazz in the Research Triangle Park. ie. Chip Crawford and Eve Cornelious, Freddie Redd, Elmer Gibson, John Brown, Alvin Atkinson, Doug Largent. In 1998 Tony formed his own record label tonyman music(TM) producing 4 CDs available at retail outlets such as Borders and Amazon.com. In 2001 he was interviewed by NPR's George Olsen in connection with his CD 'Forever Charmed'. Other radio interview and performance plus air play followed on public radio. Today Thompson is still writing music and performing in the RTP. Media Highlights from this year include a Kinston, North Caorlina TV appearance and a performance at Chinquapenn Winery covered in the Greensboro News and Record. Thompson is currently writing material for the next CD which will feature contemporary jazz. Thompson wants to thank his teachers, Barry Harris, Ed Paolantonio (Jazz educator at UNC and Duke), and Jon Metzger(jazz educator at Elon University). Also, a special shoutout to Rachel Z. And thanks to all of his students who have taught him in turn: Michael, Taylor, VA, 'C'. Jessica, Dj. Ken
and all the rest. Thank yall!