RECENT MEDIA
Print & Online
NOW Magazine – December 2018 (link)
Adamantium Podcast – October 2018 (link)
The Crystal Ballroom Podcast – September 2018 (link)
WholeNote Magazine Cover & Feature – April Edition (link)
biffbampop.com – Interview & Feature (link)
canadianbeats.com – ‘A New Standard’ Review (link)
FNTSY Sports Network – Guest February 2018 (link)
Rudy Blair Entertainment Media – Interview February 2018 (link)
Unpeeled Media – Interview February 2018 (link)
Radio
CBC Radio ‘Q’ – June 2019 (link)
CBC Radio ‘The Sunday Edition’ (link)
Interview & Performance September 2018 (link)
CBC Radio ‘Fresh Air’ Guest – February 2018
SiriusXM Canada Talks Guest – February 2018
Television
Breakfast Television – Performance & Interview – September 2019 – (link)
The Loop – Performance & Interview – December 2019 (link)
CP24 Breakfast – Interview (link)
CHCH ANDPOP – Interview (link)
RECENT PRESS RELEASES
PHOTOS
BIOGRAPHY
Acclaimed Toronto composer and pianist Thompson Egbo-Egbo is always in key. Deeply rooted in his upbringing – moving to Canada from Nigeria at age four, commencing his dedication to playing the piano at the age of six – his innate aptitude and affection for the instrument resonates with him to this day. The key that keeps everything aligned is one where Thompson is in tune with his environment, collaborators, community and a signature approach to the art.
On his forthcoming project, set for release via MNRK Music Group this fall, Thompson will draw from themes of transition, rebirth, realignment, joy, and optimism for the future. Partly inspired by the shifts and impact the last two years of the pandemic has placed on both a personal and professional level, audiences will experience the growth and depth of Thompson’s writing, as an offering of sonic catharsis and hope.
The project’s first single, Smells Like Teen Spirit, is a classic cover that many may have heard in one of Thompson’s live performances. The reimagined version shows that, no matter where it’s played or who it’s played for, it connects with people of all generations and cultures.
Before Thompson began playing his way through landmark venues across Toronto, he honed his skill in the heart of the city. At Dixon Hall, a community center down the street from where he grew up in Toronto’s Regent Park, he was able to take piano lessons at two dollars a session. Growing up in subsidized government development area of Toronto, Egbo-Egbo was awed by the fact a group of people thought enough of the residences to build a musical school so that the children of the neighborhood could enjoy to enjoy the neighbourhood could enjoy the access of affordable music lessons.
As this experience struck a chord in his youth, giving back is a trademark note of Thompson’s ethos. Thompson served as a member of the board at Dixon Hall for many years and is currently, on the board at Jazz FM 91. His own organization, The Thompson T. Egbo-Egbo Arts Foundation, and Evolving Through the Arts program, targets elementary school students recognizing that a positive change and a sense of self-worth should be instilled in children early and they be afforded opportunities that all children should receive. The foundation aims to fill a void in the education of music and arts not found in many communities, and partners with talented Canadian musicians and artists to provide a well-rounded and focused curriculum, dedicated to creating a resource for underprivileged Canadian youth to advance in music and the arts, empowers them through a safe environment to learn and express themselves artistically, and provides a platform for children to build their confidence, leadership and teamwork skills.
With degrees in Music from Humber College, and music production at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, to releasing numerous works and collaborating with some of the world’s most renowned artists, Thompson’s involvement in music has seen many opportunities come his way. Last year, Thompson portrayed a young Oscar Peterson in an episode of Historica Canada’s Heritage Minutes, honouring the artist’s life and career. While he was set to cross the pond for a recording opportunity at Abbey Road Studios in London, UK, Thompson was still able to proceed in Toronto to write and record Oddly Familiar – an album released and archived with Audio Network’s sync library.
Looking ahead, listeners can expect to hear music from the new album in a docuseries project by Luminato Festival called Golden Hour. The trio will perform at a selection of Ontario festival dates including Toronto International Film Festival, Kensington Market Jazz Festival, and Orillia Jazz Festival. Next year, Thompson will be performing Oscar Peterson’s music for a special concert with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra in February 2023.
Thompson Egbo-Egbo shares his experience, ideas and vision with vibrant energy. The key to his success is not solely unlocked by memorable, harmonically complex compositions that have at their core a deep, abiding groove, but the connections they create and the doors they open within the listener.
MEET THE TRIO
Jeff Halischuk - Drums
1. Where were you born and where do you grow up?
- Born in Toronto, grew up Mississauga
2. Did you study music formally? If so, where and when?
- Studied at Humber for 4 years, 2003-2007
3. What are some of your career highlights to date?
- Performing at the Montreux jazz fest, touring through Monaco, performing with Dave Holland (it was when I was at humber when he was artist in residence, so not an actual gig)
4. What gear do you currently use on shows with Thompson?
- Currently using C and C drums (20×14 kick, 12×10 and 14×14 toms), ludwig black beauty snare (14×6.5), spizzichino cymbals (22’ and 20”) and zildjian A hats (16”)
5. Who are some of your musical influences?
- Keith Jarrett, Bernard Purdie, Chris Dave, Kendrick Lamar
6. What’s your favourite thing about playing with the trio/Thompson?
- My favourite thing about playing with Thompson is being in a band where I feel free and encouraged to take chances and create something new with like minded musicians.
Randall Hall - Bass
1. Where were you born and where do you grow up?
- Born in North York (now Toronto). Grew up in Richmond Hill.
2. Did you study music formally? If so, where and when?
- Yes. Humber. I believe ’94-’98 and ’04-’06
3. What are some of your career highlights to date?
- Being Judy Mowatt’s bassist for a show (member of Bob Marley’s I-Threes), in general just meeting and playing with other top musicians and celebrities from around the world.
4. What gear do you currently use on shows with Thompson?
- Basses – Bacchus Woodline DX5/E, Ernie Ball Musician Bongo 6, West German made upright; Amplifier: Mesa Boogie Bass Prodigy 4:88 with Traynor 2×10 and 1×15 cabs. GK MB112; Effects: EHX Micropog, BOSS RV-5. More to come. Strings: D’Addario NYXL on the Bacchus, DR Black Beauties on the EBMM.
5. Who are some of your musical influences?
- Currently: Bernard Edwards, Geddy Lee, Tomomi Ogawa
6.What’s your favourite thing about playing with the trio/Thompson?
- Since I started playing with Thompson 12 years ago ( I think) he has never demanded I play a certain way. I believe his patience and trust in each member of the Trio, our influences, and our abilities is largely responsible for the unique sound we project.
