Don Thompson

Don Thompson ranks among the rare musicians who achieve true mastery on every instrument they play, contributing at the highest level on vibraphone, double bass, and piano alike. This effortless command of multiple axes has made him a prized collaborator throughout the Toronto jazz circuit and on international stages.

Born in Powell River, British Columbia, in 1940, Thompson was already working regularly as a freelance bassist by 1960. Five years later he relocated to San Francisco to join the celebrated John Handy Quintet, appearing on several of the group’s recordings, most famously the landmark John Handy Live at the Monterey Jazz Festival. He came back to Toronto in 1967 and has maintained his primary residence there since 1969.

In 1974 Thompson entered guitarist Jim Hall’s trio, serving principally on bass. Eight years later he signed on with pianist George Shearing’s ensemble, remaining for the next five years. Since resettling in Toronto he has sustained extended partnerships with fellow Canadians Rob McConnell, Moe Koffman, Ed Bickert, Lenny Breau, and Sonny Greenwich, while his broader résumé encompasses performances and recordings with Paul Desmond, Milt Jackson, Art Farmer, James Moody, Zoot Sims, Clark Terry, Harry Edison, Frank Rosolino, Slide Hampton, Lee Konitz, Sarah Vaughan, Red Rodney, Joe Henderson, Dewey Redman, Red Mitchell, and Kenny Wheeler.