Dawn Thomson Best Things In Life CD - Import

Guitarist/vocalist Thomson is from Canada, and while her six-string work is reflective of greats like Wes Montgomery, one can't help but think she's been influenced by fellow Canadian Ed Bickert. The same clean, flowing, distinct single lines that inform Thomson's style are very much a part of Bickert's as well. Vocally, she's quite comparable to Rebecca Kilgore, a sweet, solid voice that rarely takes a chance to scat or extrapolate a lyric. Longtime Bickert running mate Don Thompson is here, but on piano instead of bass, and he proves to be a force. Drummer Barry Elmes, bassist Pat Collins, and tenor saxophonist John Nugent provide Thomson with good people to bounce ideas off of. "The Best Things in Life (Are Free)" has an easy swing, while the subtle waltz "Think of Monk" has none of the expected piano angularities. Thompson's piano shines exquisitely on the inquisitive "Oh Moon, Oh Star," the well-worn standard ballad "All the Way," and the slight bossa of "September." Instrumentally, Thomson proves an adept improviser on an upbeat take of Montgomery's "S.O.S." "Coolbrook Boogie" features energetic piano in a funky tenor-led charge, and the heartfelt waltz "Song for Emily" has a beautiful, chiming melody that bears repeated listening. The most intriguing cut is Shannon Thomson's "With One Voice," which features a clever piano/guitar intro and a dramatic chamber-like melody. With the exception of "With One Voice," this is a pretty subdued record, but everything sounds good and very professionally done. Modern mainstream jazz listeners should pay attention to Dawn Thomson in the years to come. She's likely to come up with some surprising music. ~ Michael G. Nastos

Recorded at Street Brothers, Toronto, Canada in March 1993.

Personnel: Dawn Thomson (guitar); John Nugent (tenor saxophone); Don Thompson (piano); Barry Elmes (drums).

Recording information: Street Brothers, Toronto, Canada (03/1993).

Photographer: Floria Sigismondi.

Personnel: Dawn Thomson (vocals, guitar); John Nugent (tenor saxophone); Don Thompson (piano); Pat Collins (bass); Barry Elmes (drums).