Legendary jazz pianist Bob Thompson delivers intimate performance in Charleston

By Matthew Young, RealWV

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jazz enthusiasts were treated to a rare musical experience at the Culture Center on Wednesday, as world-renowned pianist and composer Bob Thompson invited the audience to join him on stage for a uniquely-intimate performance. 

A 2015 inductee into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame, and longtime house pianist of the Mountain Stage performance radio program, Thompson has performed for audiences all over the world. 

“Man, this is so intimate, I feel like I should take requests,” Thompson joked with those in attendance. 

In total, Thompson performed eight songs Wednesday evening. His full set list included “Memphis Blues,” by W.C. Handy; “Jitterbug Waltz,” by Fats Waller; “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” by Duke Ellington; “Pannonica,” by Thelonious Monk; “Waltz for Debby,” by Bill Evans; “I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free,” by Dr. Billy Taylor; and “You Taught My Heart to Sing,” by McCoy Tyner. 

To close the evening, Thompson performed an original song, titled “Little Burgundy Blues.”

Thompson can next been seen at the Culture Center Theatre when Mountain Stage returns to Charleston on October 27.