DT Thompson

[Brian Nation]

I just got the very sad news that Don "DT" Thompson is in the hospital with cancer and is not expected to last more than a few weeks.

Oh no.......
My heartfelt condolences to DT's family. We are praying for him...

[Morgan Childs]

I just recieved word that DT passed away early this morning. I saw him literally hours before his death, and I'd like to think he understood how much he was loved, and how much he will be missed. DT taught me more than I probably even understand at this point. I will be dedicating my April 7th Cellar performance to him, as well as one at the Rex in Toronto in July. He will be very, very missed.

[Brian Nation]

At least one reader thought we're talking about bassist (and multi-instrumentalist) Don Thompson, originally from Powell River, now in Toronto and very much alive and still playing.

DT was born in Alberta, played saxophone and clarinet in Edmonton before moving to Toronto. He played with Lionel Hampton for a time in the mid-sixties and then returned to Toronto where he was a mainstay on the jazz scene for many years. Most recently he was living in North Vancouver and was 72 when he died.

Read Mark Miller's DT Thompson entry in the Encyclopedia of Music in Canada.

[Brian Nation]

Service is on Thursday (Mar 25) at 3:30 in the chapel at Kearney Funeral Home 1096 West Broadway (near Oak).

There will be a gathering afterwards. Information will be available at the service.

I remember when DT came down to the Chardonnay's gig with Kenny Coleman. I got to hear him play with Harry "Sweets" Edison. I could not believe that DT and Sweets had not played together before. I loved DT's playing and tone. His phrasing was so lyrical and always had direction. He is a musical Icon of Canada and I will miss him dearly. Again the warmest of condolences to the family of DT and his memory will live with all of us......

[Brian Nation]

From: Warren Hogg
Sent: April 21, 2004 11:20 PM
Subject: D.T.



I know many of you have heard by now that Don D.T. Thompson passed away recently. It's likely no news to some that there will be a Shake, not a Wake, for Don on Sunday May 2nd starting at 5:00 pm at the Rex on Queen. St. in Toronto. (Shake was the brainchild of Spike, to give credit where due).

What you might not know is that Don Franks, no, not the porno star if you do a google search, but "the Don Franks" has agreed to provide M.C. responsibilities and whatever else it is those M.C. guys do.

Archie Allyne and band will start the evening followed by Norm Amadio's group, to give time for Norm to buy everyone at the Rex a drink before they do.

Don's wife Kate will be flying in to keep Don on the road for us, like she has these many years. I know she's looking forward to a reflection of Don - the serious, thoughtful guy alongside the playful, partying guy.

Larry Green of Jazz FM, after delivering a couple of gems that I never heard about Don, and I wont spoil by telling, suggested a great idea. If anyone receiving this email has a D.T. line that sticks out in their mind, please send it back to this address. We can pass it on to Don Franks for his delivery, or you spew it out to someone who hopefully cares at the Rex on May 2nd. Hearing it twice wouldn't be a good idea though, Don always said the key to laughing at your own jokes was having heard them for the first time.

Anyone wishing to pay passage musically, will have to go through Archie and Norm. From there on your on your own!

Please pass this on to anyone you might think of, that would appreciate knowing.

Warren Hogg

416-424-HOGG
warrenhoggATsympaticoDOTca

[Brian Nation]

"D.T." DON THOMPSON DIES IN VANCOUVER

© Len Dobbin April 2004

Tenor saxophonist Don Thompson not to be confused with the multi-instrumentalist Don Thompson or singer / guitarist Dawn Thomson, died in Vancouver recently after a battle with cancer. Don was born in Drumheller, Alberta on September 19, 1932 as was usually referred to as "D. T.". While still in his teens he could be heard playing in dance bands at Sylvan Lake, a resort area near Edmonton. As a 17 year old he was already promoting jazz in Edmonton in a series of "Jammin' The Blues" concerts. He and his bass playing brother Lloyd then headed East and I first encountered them in Montreal in the early 50s where their exciting playing and organizational skills saw them putting together jam sessions all over the city - often in clubs where jazz was never heard before. They then went on to Toronto and used that as a base of operations. D.T. spent a fair amount of time in the U.S. at this time as leader of a group that featured singer Anne Marie Moss. The last time I got to hear him play was at the after hours "First Floor Club" in Toronto where he worked from 1959 into 1963. From 1960 through '64 he also led a big band backing singer Tommy Ambrose (he later also traveled with Anne Murray) and in 1965-66 he was a member of the Lionel Hampton big band.

The 80s saw a return to jazz, working "George's Spaghetti House" in Toronto every New Year's Eve week from 1980-1990. In the 90s he moved to Vancouver. He left a rather sparse discography. In 1961 he did a session with Tommy Ambrose and also recorded as a member of the Pat Riccio big band in Ottawa. In 1963, Emanon Jazz Society member, Abby Smollan recorded Don for the Dash label, a single, "Early Autumn" and "If I Had My Way" with a group including pianist Wray Downes and valve trombonist Rob McConnell. That year his quintet, including trombonist Butch Watanabe, was seen in the 27 minute NFB film "Toronto Jazz" and in 1967 he was heard in "Citerama", a 6 minute film which was shown daily at Montreal's Expo 67 (World's Fair). With music, "Citerama" and "Expo Session 67", written by Norman Symonds, it featured D.T. with a quintet led by trumpeter Fred Stone and was released on record as well. In 1979 he recorded behind singer Doug Mallory on a session that included Dour Riley on piano and in 1983 he finally did an lp of his own "Blueprint" that featured U.S. organist Jimmy McGriff disguised as "Jimmy McOrgan".

On Sunday, May 2, beginning at 5 pm there will be an all star evening at the Rex in Toronto in memory of this colourful musician.