Breaking Down Ramsey Lewis’ “Summer Breeze” (and Cleveland Eaton’s Bass Work)
You’ve seen the video. It’s one of the most viewed Jazz performance videos of the past few years.
Let me walk you through why it’s so great and it’s connections to the original.
I’ll also introduce you to one of the greatest upright bassists of the 1970s: Cleveland Eaton.
Paul Thompson has been playing bass professionally for over 30 years, including recording and touring stints with trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and saxophonist Stanley Turrentine. Recent playing credits include Bob Reynolds, John Pizzarelli, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, and Bob James, among others. Currently, he can be seen playing in and around the Pittsburgh, PA area with the THOTH Trio, the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, and many other musicians in the city's rich Jazz community. An educator of over 25 years, Paul currently teaches Jazz Bass at Duquesne University, West Virginia University, and his alma mater, Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 Performing Arts School.
Connect with Paul on Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, and his website.
