Don Thompson! What a great musician.
'How did Don get into jazz since he was in Powell River'?
Don told me himself 'I got playing jazz because of Lloyd Arntzen'!
Lloyd is a clarinet player of early jazz active in the area. I have played with Lloyd since 1975. I was just hired for Lloyd's 90th birthday party, who is still playing well and leading bands.
Long ago, on our gig breaks, musicians working for Lloyd would mention that he and local drummer Charlie Brown played with Don in Powell River. Lloyd had mentioned it too but never made a big deal about it, just was proud of Don's accomplishments.
When I met Don I mentioned Lloyd as one of the people I play with and Don's face lit up. He said something to the effect of 'Lloyd introduced me to jazz'! Lloyd is about 20 years older than Don and a natural band leader and teacher. (Lloyd also happened to be my grade 1 school vice principal in 1961)
Don Thompson is my nephew Casey's wife's uncle. Huh?
Casey is my nephew (also has my name) and his wife Kat is Don's niece.
Don played solo piano at the wedding, playing a style that really reminds me of Bill Evans. Cool to have Don Thompson play during your wedding ceremony!
Here is Don on piano with Joel Quarrington in a very informal recording of 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square'.
That is a Good Story Casey!
