Thursday Night Jazz: Paul Thompson & The Young Lions

Paul Thompson brings together some of the most exciting emerging jazz musicians around town for his final spring concert

After two spectacular concerts honoring Wayne Shorter, Paul Thompson turns his attention from the past to the future. In addition to Paul’s incredible performance career, he’s a dedicated educator, having taught hundreds of students the art of the bass and jazz at CAPA and Duquesne, via his Youtube channel, and one-on-one mentorships. Continuing this tradition, Paul brings emerging members of the jazz scene, “The Young Lions,” to the stage with him for this performance. 

“Learning Jazz is about a rich oral tradition, passed down from older musicians to younger ones,” said Paul. “I’ve been fortunate enough to have learned this music alongside people like Roger Humphries, Maynard Ferguson, Stanley Turrentine, and so many others who invested their time in me at a young age. I’m honored to continue that tradition as well as be inspired by some of the best younger musicians on our city’s scene today.”

Featured Musicians:

Paul Thompson: bass

Alex Weibel: guitar

Michael Bernabe: piano

George Heid: drums 

About the Artist:

Paul Thompson has been playing bass professionally for over 30 years, including recording and touring stints with trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and saxophonist Stanley Turrentine. Recent playing credits include Hubert Laws, Geri Allen, Micheal Feinstein, and Bob James, among others. Currently, he can be seen playing around the Pittsburgh area with Salsamba!, THOTH Trio, the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, in pit orchestras at the Byham and New Hazlett Theaters, or performing with some of our city’s rich jazz community. An active educator, Paul currently teaches Jazz Bass at Duquesne University and West Virginia University and is an Adjunct Instrumental Music teacher at his alma mater, Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 Performing Arts School. http://www.youtube.com/pdbass 

About Your Visit: 

The in-house restaurant 40 North is open for dinner from 5-9pm. Please visit Open Table or call 412-435-1111 to make a reservation.