Local bassist, composer, and songwriter Wilbur Thompson, who has played with numerous local musicians such as Charlie Gabriel of Preservation Hall Jazz Band, cover star Robin Barnes, and Germaine Bazzle will livestream Wednesday, December 30 at 7 p.m. CST via our Facebook page.

Originally from Hartsville SC. Thompson moved to New Orleans in September 2015 and specializes in gospel, soul, and jazz music. He considers Ray Brown, Ron Carter, Paul Chambers, Jaco Pastorius, Jimmy Haslip, “all of the gospel music artists of the 80s and 90s and neo soul in general” as his biggest influences.

He first began playing bass in the church his father pastored. In high school he began playing bass with local groups including a trio with long time friend and Snarky Puppy saxophonist Chris Bullock.

Wilbur Thompson continued to perform in the Carolina music scene until his move to New Orleans. Since living here, he has shared the stage with many New Orleans groups including NOJO 7 and Adonis Rose, Philip Manuel, Ashlin Parker, and Michael Watson and The Alchemy to name a few. He has performed for New Orleans Jazz Fest, New Orleans French Quarter Fest, and taught at the Ellis Marsalis School of Music. He can be heard on the upcoming album for Michael Watson and the Alchemy as well as on the album The Story Of by Bubble Bath Records recording artist Claudio Toulouse.

Speaking of COVID-19, the bassist states: “I’ve had to try to create the energy from live audience for live streamed shows. I’ve had to find ways to stay motivated and creative. I’m currently working on Sweet Hour of Worship which is a gospel music worship experience mixed with acoustic jazz. The worship experience that is normally associated with voice and organ meets the improvisation elements normally associated with acoustic jazz music.”

Thompson’s livestream will be produced by Keenan McRae of Artisound Production and shot on set of Studio 3 One One 6.

Follow Wilbur Thompson on Instagram @wilburthompsonmusic.