Drummer Chester Thompson performed locally as a member of the We Four Trio, and the Variations in the ‘60s with Julius Brockington and later joined Brockington’s United Chair. Throughout the ‘70s-00s he became a highly acclaimed and respected studio drummer. Thompson has toured with and/or appeared on dozens of recordings with artists such as Genesis (1978+ starting with 1977 “Wind & Wuthering” world tour), Frank Zappa (“Roxy & Elsewhere” 1974, “One Size Fits All” 1974, “Bongo Fury” 1975, “Sleep Dirt” 1979), Alphonso Johnson (“Yesterdays Dreams” 1976), Weather Report (“Black Market” 1976), O’Donel Levy, Santana, Air Pocket, Caldera, Freddie Hubbard, Donna Summer, Bee Gees, George Duke, Neil Diamond, Steve Winwood, Phil Collins…
Chester also released ‘solo’ albums and albums with his Trio.
Thompson released an instructional drum video “Sessions.”
The following bio courtesy of Michael Lipman – Missile Productions, 2007
“From Jazz (Weather Report), to Rock (Frank Zappa and the Mothers), to Pop (Genesis/Phil Collins) to Gospel (Ron Kenoly), 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, England. 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. On faculty at Belmont University since 1998, Chester teaches applied drum lessons and directs a jazz ensemble. 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”. “
Solo and Trio album releases:
1991(CD) Blue Moon A Joyful Noise
2013(CD) Joyful Noise Approved (Chester Thompson Trio)
2015(CD) (indie) Simpler Times (Chester Thompson Trio)
2019(CD) Sweetwater Studios Steppin
2023(CD) (indie) Wake-Up Call
