Menagery, the debut album by Mike Thompson with Ernie Watts, is now available for purchase online at menagerymusic.com and at cdbaby.com.
The 12-track CD, a unique melding of electronics and jazz, is the product of a longtime admiration of the musical duo. Thompson first grew fond of the musical relationship after hearing John Coltrane and Elvin Jones perform in tandem.
“There is a certain intimacy and spontaneity to it that you just don't get when other instruments are involved," Thompson said.
From that inspiration came Menagery.
“In addition to my attraction to interactive jazz playing I also love electronics," Thompson said. “Menagery is a fusion of those two interests."
Also fused are the musical talents of Thompson and acclaimed jazz saxophonist Ernie Watts. The two time Grammy award winning artist has been featured on more than 500 recordings and is generally regarded as one of jazz's best. The numerous accolades he receives are the result of a life spent admiring the art of jazz.
His contributions to the album are numerous and, Thompson said, greatly appreciated.
Thompson became a professional musician more than 30 years ago. Since then, the drummer, percussionist and electronic musicican has forged a diverse set of relationships within the music industry. His experiences have led to associations with a variety of musical talents, including David Benoit and Lou Rawls.
Joe Porcaro, a top Los Angeles studio percussionist and director of LA Music Academy, acknowledges Thompson as “one of the first guys into electronics."
While living in Los Angeles, Thompson worked extensively with electronic jazz pioneer Gil Melle. It is through Melle that Thompson met Watts. The two recorded a duet together, beginning a creative process that eventually led to Menagery.
“After recording our duo session, Ernie and I started getting together and working on an extension of the duo project performing tunes live with electronics," Thompson said. “He brought in some tunes that he thought might work in this format, I contributed some of mine."
From that, Menagery was born.
The 12-track CD, a unique melding of electronics and jazz, is the product of a longtime admiration of the musical duo. Thompson first grew fond of the musical relationship after hearing John Coltrane and Elvin Jones perform in tandem.
“There is a certain intimacy and spontaneity to it that you just don't get when other instruments are involved," Thompson said.
From that inspiration came Menagery.
“In addition to my attraction to interactive jazz playing I also love electronics," Thompson said. “Menagery is a fusion of those two interests."
Also fused are the musical talents of Thompson and acclaimed jazz saxophonist Ernie Watts. The two time Grammy award winning artist has been featured on more than 500 recordings and is generally regarded as one of jazz's best. The numerous accolades he receives are the result of a life spent admiring the art of jazz.
His contributions to the album are numerous and, Thompson said, greatly appreciated.
Thompson became a professional musician more than 30 years ago. Since then, the drummer, percussionist and electronic musicican has forged a diverse set of relationships within the music industry. His experiences have led to associations with a variety of musical talents, including David Benoit and Lou Rawls.
Joe Porcaro, a top Los Angeles studio percussionist and director of LA Music Academy, acknowledges Thompson as “one of the first guys into electronics."
While living in Los Angeles, Thompson worked extensively with electronic jazz pioneer Gil Melle. It is through Melle that Thompson met Watts. The two recorded a duet together, beginning a creative process that eventually led to Menagery.
“After recording our duo session, Ernie and I started getting together and working on an extension of the duo project performing tunes live with electronics," Thompson said. “He brought in some tunes that he thought might work in this format, I contributed some of mine."
From that, Menagery was born.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
