Blue Canoe Records has released “Look Beyond The Rain” from
veteran piano man Bob
Thompson and The Bob
Thompson Band. Mr. Thompson brings the optimism in a funky way with the help of
legendary producer and long-time friend, Buzz Amato (Curtis Mayfield, Ben E.
King, Kriss Kross). Referring to the theme of the album, Thompson asserts, “It
is going to rain sometime on your life but you have to look beyond that. This
music spreads love and makes people feel good.”
Bob Thompson is a performer, band leader, and educator and
is a staple in the music of West Virginia. A native of New York, Mr. Thompson
came to West Virginia to study trumpet at West Virginia State University. In
1991, Bob joined the West Virginia Public Broadcasting's ground breaking
"Mountain Stage", as house pianist and featured artist. He is also
co-producer of Joy To The World, a Holiday Jazz Show broadcast on public radio
nationwide (since 1992), heard internationally on Voice Of America and was just
inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2015. He has played all
over the world with diverse artists including Bunky Green, Larry Coryell and
recorded with Omar Hakim, Gerald Veasley and Kevin Eubanks.
“Look Beyond The Rain” opens with “Time 2 B One” and reveals
Bob Thompson dancing along an exhilarating melody. After a few bars John
Inghram (bass) and Tim Courts (drums) lay down a solid funk groove cued by the
piano’s opening. The opening track unfolds into a floating solo by Doug Payne
(sax), a driving solo from Ryan Kennedy (guitar) and again from Mr. Thompson
with a supporting solo that brings them all together. The exchange between them
resolves by the end in a dreamy fade that leaves the listener wanting more.
Possibly the most notable on the compilation is “The Swamp
Stomp”. This time the listener is guided through the groove by a joyous and
melodic theme on the saxophone. Again the rhythm section throws down a solid,
funky groove and the listener is treated to delightful lick-swapping by some of
the most talented musicians that the Eastern United States has to offer. The
juxtaposition of the funk groove, wafting sax, beautifully linear fender rhodes
and driving rock guitar really exposes the influences of this diverse group of
individuals and melds into a solid singular voice.
“Look Beyond The Rain” is a joyful experience, no doubt
about it. These incredibly talented musicians have a way of delivering
accessible melody, touching the heart of the listener and not overcomplicating
things. Like any great artists, they make it look easy. “Look Beyond The Rain”
is a must-listen for fans of jazz, rock, blues and funk. These songs will stir
emotion and leave the listener...optimistic.
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