My ears belong to Genesis

Chester Thompson

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A site for all of Chesters fans!

Website: http://chesterthompson.com/
Members: 64
Latest Activity: Nov 2

Chester Cortez Thompson - born December 11, 1948

From Jazz (Weather Report), to Rock (Frank Zappa and the Mothers), to Pop (Genesis/Phil Collins) to Gospel (Ron Kenoly), Chester Thompson has surpassed the boundaries of musical genres. Chester's performance and recording experiences have influenced over three decades of music and musicians. Whether he is playing drum kit or percussion, Chester's masterful subtleties and unyielding time create the firm musical foundation for any musical genre. Every time Chester plays he gives 110% - there is no such thing as practice.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Chester started playing in local nightclubs at age 13. He has spent extended periods of time in various musical centers including Los Angeles, CA and London. After a heavy touring schedule in the 1970s, 80s and 1990s, Chester and his family now call Nashville, TN home. Keeping extremely busy with live performances, studio recordings, clinics and writing, Chester's Nashville residence has also afforded him more time to invest in students. On faculty at Belmont University since 1998, Chester teaches applied drum lessons and directs a jazz ensemble. Known for his exceptional teaching style and zeal for music, Chester is a favorite among students and fellow colleagues.

Thompson made his name as a session drummer, going on to play in Frank Zappa's touring band (as part of the 1973-1974 lineups which also featured percussionist Ruth Underwood and jazz keyboardist George Duke) and with Weather Report. He played on such noted Zappa albums as One Size Fits All, Roxy & Elsewhere, and Overnite Sensation. His longest standing gig was with Genesis from 1977, playing on their tours in that year, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983/4, 1986/7, 1992 and the 2007 reunion Turn It On Again Tour. Chester is featured on their live albums Seconds Out, Three Sides Live and The Way We Walk Volume 1, Volume 2 and Live Over Europe 2007. Thompson continues to work with Phil Collins on his solo concert tours, drumming on the 1982/83 Hello I must be going tour, 1985 No Jacket Required tour, 1990 But Seriously tour, The Tarzan Premiere tour of 1999, The Final Farewell tour of 2004/05, Chester appears on Phil Collins' Serious Hits... Live! live album and DVD, and has released his own solo album, A Joyful Noise.

Chester also plays on the Steve Hackett albums, Please Don't Touch and Genesis Revisited. Later on, he played on Tony Banks' solo album A Curious Feeling. He also appears on Tokyo Tapes album released in 1998 which features Steve Hackett and John Wetton amongst many others.

Chester's playing style is widely acknowledged and respected, and can be seen on numerous live videos of Genesis, from late 1970s up to early 1990s. His live playing with the band is a striking mixture of his own style and Collins' own, being equally comfortable with acoustic and electronic drums. In the past, Chester has endorsed Pearl drums and Paiste cymbals, but now endorses DW drums and Sabian cymbals.

Discussion Forum

Phil & Chester's duet... 2 Replies

Started by Robert. Last reply by Robert Jan 2.

Chester - Phil: What are the differences?

Started by Scott Connor Jun. 1, 2008.

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Comment by Robert on March 2, 2009 at 9:19pm: Enjoy, C.A...B
Never seen such an outstanding, duet, on any instrument as these drums.

Yet, was witness to 2 nights, 9/07...

Hope you agree!

Comment by Robert on January 27, 2009 at 4:46am: This is SO-O-O RIGHT!!!

Comment by Robert on January 27, 2009 at 3:31am: You are right, "The Knife". Chester hadn't a clue as to Charterhouse. Classic GENESIS!
But no one can deny him his talent!!!

Chester, mergered-into the Legacy of Genesis in my humble opinion!

Still, percussionistically-speaking, Chester rose to the occasion.

Comment by Robert on January 27, 2009 at 3:10am: Hope to meet you soon, James...Robert

Comment by Robert on January 19, 2009 at 1:32pm: 'Cuz I think, I still have you...!

Comment by Robert on January 19, 2009 at 1:32pm: ..."Music I heard with you was more than music,
And bread I broke with you was more than bread.
Now that I am without you, all is desolate;
All that was once so beautiful is dead"

Well, Almost My Love...!

Comment by Robert on January 19, 2009 at 1:22pm: How abhorrent of me...wasteing 9/2007's return of GENESIS c some, clueless lady. NUTS!!! Where are my nuts?

GOD, I wish you were at my side those evenings.

Trespass will be exciting. Looking forward to sharing the "Genesis" sound with you, under the capable hands of Andre, Mitch...and Brian Filone.

I'm like a kid about to take my sweetheart out to a movie! The excitement that you provoke in me is nothing less. Really!!!

Catch-up c U soon...Yours

Comment by Robert on January 19, 2009 at 1:11pm: How James would, Does, May...appreciate this AWESOME Display!!!

Comment by Robert on January 19, 2009 at 1:10pm: I WAS THERE!!!!!

Comment by Robert on January 19, 2009 at 1:07pm: I'm SO-O-O HAPPY, THINK I'LL PLAY "MY-SKINS", DEDICATING IT TO YOU!!!

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