BUTCH ON PIANO
Butch's reach is wide, from classic ragtime by Scott Joplin to New Orleans stomps and tangos by Jelly Roll Morton, lyrical blues and boogie woogie from southside Chicago, roaring Harlem stride by Fats Waller, early solos by Duke Ellington, and more.
"Mr. Thompson was outstanding. His rapport with the audience was a presenter's dream." -John A. Logan College Performing Arts Series
Review of solo concert from The News and Observer Raleigh, NC
LISTEN TO BUTCH:
"Charleston Rag" by Eubie Blake "Mamie's Blues" by Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton. "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear"
ABOUT BUTCH'S SOLO PIANO PERFORMANCES
Butch starts with the best of the early jazz piano repertoire, then builds his concerts carefully with just enough commentary— laced with his dry humor—to give his audience a sense of the tradition he's exploring.
In a typical concert, standards like Waller's "Ain't Misbehavin'," Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag," and Ellington's "Mood Indigo" show up alongside rare gems like Eubie Blake's "Chevy Chase" and Willie "the Lion” Smith's lyrical "Echo of Spring." Through it all, Butch's real passion for the music comes through loud and clear.
YULESTRIDE - Butch's Holiday Show
From the lyrical Silent Night to the barrelhouse Jingle Bells, Butch's affectionate arrangements are the centerpiece of this critically acclaimed and highly popular holiday show.
Listen to audio clips on the CD page.
Video of Butch recording in MPR studio