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Introducing Joe Thompson...
Joe Thompson is a performer and recording artist who, when he’s
not busy at the piano or recording, is to be found at his easel. His
piano skills are best illustrated in his jazz performances (he is currently in residence at London's exclusive Ivy Club situated above the world famous Ivy restaurant) although his background is predominantly classical.
Background
Joe was educated at King Edward VI School, Birmingham and read Music and Italian (Joint Honours) at Leeds University. He currently lives with his wife and two children in South London.
The right mood
Joe’s ability to marry a certain
style of music to a particular mood have made him a popular choice for
the colourful London party scene as well as for the more discreet business
gathering. For most events, jazz and Latin are the partygoers’ favourites
although Joe has lately been working with classical and African musicians.
Entertaining the entertainers
“Claridges and the Savoy have been a lot of fun”, said Joe in
a recent interview. “You can be playing for a very appreciative
Pete Doherty one minute, and Rod Stewart,
Woody Allen or Paul McCartney the next. Elvis Costello and Diana Krall
are always generous with their praise, especially since I performed at
their wedding at Elton John’s
place. I enjoy playing for all kinds of people, from family and friends
to heads of state, but there’s nothing quite like a pat on the
back from a fellow musician. A lasting image I took away with me
from Claridges is Sting appearing at the other end of the piano, wearing
the broadest of grins, and giving me a double ‘thumbs up’!”
Teaching and Film Coaching
A popular piano teacher, Joe has been inspiring aspiring pianists for over twenty years, including “Becoming Jane” star, actress Anne Hathaway, who needed to learn to play from scratch in just six weeks. “Music for film is always so last minute,” says Joe, “but such focus, such drive. And loads of fun too. What people don’t know about Annie (yet) is what a great voice she has. Sharing a piano stool with Jane Austen as she sang her way through the Great American Songbook, while I played, was a surreal but terrific experience”.
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Painting
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Joe’s portraits in his signature “jazz” style
have proved so popular that he now has a healthy backlog of commissions..
Check out some of the paintings in the 'Joe Thompson, by commission' section of the site; latest additions include Sammy Davis Junior and some powerful ballet portraits .
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CDs
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Joe’s latest album, “Painting the Town Red” features Ghanaian drummer Nana Tsiboe, adding an African flavour to the classic jazz trio.
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“…(Joe is) totally on top of everything and a great player. I thought it was lovely”
Observer jazz critic Dave Gelly |
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People say the nicest things...
"A great musician"
Sting
"Joe is my favourite piano player in life"
Diana Krall
"Joe played so beautifully at our wedding.
He hit the right mood all
night long
and late in the evening was on hand
to kick the party into
another gear. Thanks Joe."
Elvis Costello and Diana Krall
"Fantastic!"
Gordon Ramsay
"Unf*****g believable!
Unf*****g forgettable!”
Paddy Maloney, The Chieftains
"One of the best kept secrets in British jazz"
The Observer
2004
"Joe Thompson is disgustingly talented"
Sandi Toksvig, LBC
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