| "ARCHTONES ALBUM IS A GRATIFYING AFFAIR" |
| Local multi-instrumentalist and ducky fellow Archie Thompson has a new CD out called "Instant Gratification" that is, in parts, gratifying as advertised, and, in others, downright superb. Equally adept on piano, tenor and baritone sax, here Thompson also proves himself a top-notch arranger and composer. His take on the Beatles' "She's a Woman" has the spirit of Ray Charles hanging all over it; Henry Mancini's "Baby Elephant Walk" sounds like a Quincy Jones collaboration; the brilliant original "Prime 10" is rife with Vince Gauaraldi-inspired piano work...this is the cleanest, classiest, most expensive-sounding local recording I've ever heard (are you listening San Diego Music Awards?) |
| —Buddy Blue, San Diego Union Tribune "Blue Notes" column on Nov 4, 2004: |
Click song titles below to listen to samples:
She's A Woman
Instant Gratification
Candy
Witchcraft
I'm Walking
Classic songs, inspired performances, and pristine audio recording come together in a soulful CD from pianist/saxophonist/vocalist Archie Thompson. This ten song collection features two of Archie's originals, and eight interpretations of some of his favorite tunes.
"I've wanted to record an album of covers for quite some time," says Thompson. "If it wasn't for a garage sale, it may never have happened! I was selling off some old musical equipment, and up pulls a 1964 Mercedes. Out jumps this guy with a bulletproof pompadour and vintage Ray-Ban sunglasses! That's how I met producer Mark Neill", (Old 97's, Los Straightjackets, The Paladins). "After chatting for a while, he told me he was looking for a horn section for a record he was producing. Mitch Manker and I did the session. One step inside his studio, and I knew that I had to record there. It was like finding my own personal Rudy Van Gelder!"
Under the guidance of Mark Neill, Thompson took The ArchTones, (James East, Tony Davis, and Danny Campbell), into Soil of the South, (Neills' throwback analog studio). With Archie on piano, they pumped out ten live rhythm tracks in one day. Horns and strings were added. Archie's laid-back vocals, and his brother Mike's guitar work are spotlighted. Thompson's gigantic tenor saxophone is present throughout.
"This album pays tribute to some of my heroes. Musicians and groups that I grew up listening to, as well as some of the contemporary artists that I respect" says Archie.
Ray Charles' One Mint Julep gets things rolling. Nobody's Fault But My Own, is a Stan Getz inspired rendition of Beck's dreamy ballad. The 1980's funk hit, Candy, conjures up images of Ramsey Lewis, accompanied by horns and strings. The Beatles' She's A Woman sounds like a Vince Guaraldi meets James Brown jam session! Also included are songs from Mose Allison, Frank Sinatra, Fats Domino, and Henry Mancinci.
Archie debuts two new originals. On the title track, Instant Gratification, he sarcastically comments on society's "quick-fix" mentality. Prime 10, the closing number, is straight from the lounge: smooth and easy.
Pick up Instant Gratification today...and you'll be just that...Instantly Gratified!
Click song titles below to listen to samples:
El Niño
Hot Diggity Dog!
Body Whomp!
Swami's
Longtime San Diego favorite, Archie Thompson moves from the piano bar to the beach on his debut STAT Records release, The Legend of Johnny Surf. Archie, best known as the award-winning house pianist at Humphrey's by the Bay, captures the essence of Southern California beach culture with a collection of eleven original tunes.
With the spotlight on his fiery tenor sax, he swings, stomps, and wails, while paying homage to the great rock instrumental records of the 50's and 60's. Archie is featured on saxophones, piano, organ, and vocals. For good measure he also handles the bass guitar duties, as well as writes, produces and arranges these finger-poppin' gems.
From the Latin influenced El Niño to the irresistible Body Whomp! this CD brings back the vintage feel-good party music of a beach-blanket-bash! The title track, Johnny Surf is a Southern California folklore tale combining swing and surf music. On Swami's Archie growls his alto sax over a spy movie groove, and his funky organ pays tribute to La Jolla's Bird Rock. The reggae flavored Java Joe and the sunset-smooth Baja Sol round out this beach music set.
The Legend of Johnny Surf is a sure hit, especially with those who remember the surf music phenomenon of the 60's, as well as those discovering it here -- for the first time.
Surf's Up!