Bob Thompson, The Master Key

This post, I'm especially proud to write...
Bob Thompson is not only my good friend, but also he's my "homeboy" as well, (Queens, New York y'all) !!!
It just seems as though I've known Bob forever and a day; I actually did know of him in New York, as we traveled some of the same circles musically.
When I moved here to West Virginia in 1971 imagine my great surprise when I found out that he lived here as well. Somewhere along the way we met and I got to hear him play and man I really saw in short order what everyone in New York was talking about, this guy played a piano to death.
What Winston Walls is to the B-3 organ, Bob Thompson is to the piano, Fender Rhodes and every other keyboard. He brings them to life.
He is one of the reasons that we have great shows like Mountain Stage. The greatness that he brings to that show in my opinion is unparalleled. If you're not sure what I mean just listen to him play the theme of Mountain Stage, it's just elegant, period.
One of the nice things that he is doing now is employing younger musicians, giving them a deserving break, and breaking out some cool city grooves with these guys. The Bob Thompson Quartet burns down the house every week here in Charleston at Legends as well as places like the ultra cool Vandalia Lounge, but truthfully, it's a whole lot more than just that, Bob is just a master and there's no denying it. In New York ( Bob will relate to this...) , when kids start getting toward the age where their parents entrust them with keys to their homes, the parents have the main keys and the kids all get a copy, we call those kids "latchkey" kids. The parents get the main or the master key because that one is the one that unlocks everything, and just as parents do they keep a watchful eye on their brood, thereby extolling them with responsibility. Well Bob has done that with these guys, giving them the musical responsibility to keep the jazz scene alive and thriving in Charleston...I think it's working !
If you're into the smooth as silk jazz groove, or the edgy jazz-rock fusion, then you need to go out and check out Bob Thompson wherever the melody leads you. You won't be sorry.

Click right here for more info on Bob Thompson.
Check out the Bob Thomplson Quartet at:
Legends
806 Kanawha Blvd.
Charleston WV, 25301.
(304) 342-2699
Don't forget also, to check out Mountain Stage live and on West Virginia PBS TV. Check your local listings for info.

To Bob, the Yankees are still better than the Mets...smile!!

Support Live music today, tomorrow and always.