Butch Thompson is one of the most prominent pre-bop pianists in the last 30 years. His piano playing ranges from Jelly Roll Morton to James P. Johnson to swing. He is also a great (albeit occasional) New Orleans-style clarinetist. He joined the Hall Brothers New Orleans Jazz Band, which lasted for over 20 years, in 1962. Thompson has been leading his own trio since mid-’60s. He also appeared on Garrison Keillor’s popular radio program A Prairie Home Companion from 1974 to 1986. Thompson has recorded extensively on many labels, including Center, Jazzology and Stomp Off. Allmusic
