CHESTER THOMPSON
Territory: Europe
“…[Chester Thompson] known for a very successful playing and recording career with such artists as Weather Report, Frank Zappa, George Duke, Phil Collins and many more...This is no ordinary piano trio! Each member is a leader in his own right, contributing fresh, inventive arrangements of contemporary and standard material.”
BIO
From Jazz (Weather Report, Freddie Hubbard), to Rock (Frank Zappa and the Mothers), to Pop (Genesis/Phil Collins) to Gospel (Ron Kenoly, Rebecca St. James), Chester Thompson has surpassed the boundaries of musical genres. Chester’s performance and recording experiences have influenced over three decades of music and musicians. Whether he is playing drum kit or percussion, Chester’s masterful subtleties and unyielding time create the firm musical foundation for any musical genre. Every time Chester plays he gives 110% – there is no such thing as practice.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Chester started playing in local nightclubs at age 13. He has spent extended periods of time in various musical centers including Los Angeles, CA and London. After a heavy touring schedule in the 1970s, 80s and 1990s, Chester and his family now call Nashville, TN home. Keeping extremely busy with live performances, studio recordings, clinics and writing, Chester’s Nashville residence has also afforded him more time to invest in students.
“…the supplier of deep pockets for international pop star and fellow drummer Phil Collins.”
On faculty at Belmont University since 1998, Chester teaches applied drum lessons and a weekly seminar. Known for his exceptional teaching style and zeal for music, Chester is a favorite among students and fellow colleagues. His album, Joyful Noise, was first released in 1991. He has released a DVD of a performance at the 2003 Paderborn Drum Festival entitled “On the Fly” and another DVD with Luis Conte, “Drum Talk, El Habla Tabor”. In 2007, he completed a world tour with long-time friends, Genesis.
More recently Chester Thompson formed the Chester Thompson Trio featuring Joe Davidian on Piano/Keyboards and Michael Rinne on Upright and Electric Bass. Their debut album “Approved” released in May 2013. “This is no ordinary piano trio! Each member is a leader in his own right, contributing fresh, inventive arrangements of contemporary and standard material,” Nashville Jazz.
CHESTER THOMPSON TRIO
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- Michael Rinne
Michael Rinne is one of Nashville’s most promising young musicians. Playing electric and upright bass, Michael is honored to have already worked with some of the coolest artists/musicians on the planet. Live credits include: Chester Thompson, Kenny Vaughan, Beegie Adair, Wycliffe Gordon, Conrad Herwig, Jeff Coffin, Michael W. Smith, Julie Roberts, Taylor Hicks, Annie Sellick, Seth Walker, Jill Andrews, Rayland Baxter, Andrew Combs, David “Fathead” Newman, Nashville Jazz Orchestra, Nashville Symphony Orchestra. In addition to being a sought after live musician, Mr. Rinne has been in high demand as a studio musician having recorded with such artists as; Jack White, Alicia Keys, Caitlin Rose, Kim Richey, Chester Thompson, Andrew Combs, Joey and Rory. Also, Mr. Rinne keeps busy recording with Nashville’s premiere studio orchestra the Nashville String Machine.
Joe Davidian
Joe Davidian began studying classical piano at age six, and with the encouragement of his father, a big band director and music teacher, he started playing jazz at age ten. He attended the University of Miami in Florida, where he received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Piano Performance. Since that time, Davidian has recorded and performed internationally with his own trio, JD3. He has also performed with Bob Mintzer, Duffy Jackson, Kevin Mahogany, Dave Liebman, Carmen Lundy, John Fedchock, the late Tito Puente, Keb’ Mo’, Ali Ryerson, Jeff Coffin, the late Lester Bowie, Conrad Herwig, Ira Sullivan, Curtis Lundy, Wycliffe Gordon, Chester Thompson, Bobby Watson, Joe Lovano, and the late Eddie Calhoun.
Currently, Davidian lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where he continues to perform with some of the greatest living jazz musicians. He also teaches privately, at Belmont University, and at the Nashville Jazz Workshop.