The last time Sir Charles Thompson set foot in Chicago, you probably werenÕt born. You might not even recognize the name, your head grasping for 5th grade history lessons of admirals and knights that had some great importance. And Sir Charles Thompson does have a great importance, only itÕs in a musical, not political sense.
The Sir, you see, is decorative. Pianist Thompson, who plays the Jazz Showcase this week, added it in the 1940Õs, bestowing a sort of majesty that brings Count Basie to mind. ThompsonÕs sparse, linear, Basie-like style gave him his footing in the jazz world.
Thompson met up with former Basie saxist Lester Young, playing a sixth month gig with Young at New YorkÕs CafZ Society in 1942. Thompson discovered bebop, marrying his organized technique with the irregularity of the emerging sound.
ThompsonÕs sound draws from the like of Hines, Tatum, Wilson and Garner, while preserving an approach that is uniquely his. He recorded sessions with Dexter Gordon, Sonny Stitt and Charlie Parker, among other swing stars, cementing his place as a jazz great. According to the Chicago Reader, ThompsonÕs "effortless grasp of bebop serves as a reminder that it didnÕt just rebel against the swing music of the 30s but in many ways evolved from it."
Born in 1918, Thompson hasnÕt played in Chicago in 60 years, when he performed with Lionel Hampton at the Grand Terrace Ballroom. Thompson will kick off the Jazz ShowcaseÕs 45th annual Charlie Parker Month, leading a quartet fronted by saxist Eric Schneider. The band will perform August 1 and 3 at 8 and 10pm, Friday and Saturday, August 4 and 5 at 9 and 11pm, and Sunday, August 6 at 4, 8, and 10pm. Call (312) 670-2473 for info.
KATE SCHWARTZ 8/1/00
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