Arthur Thompson Drops Jazz Album
R&B/jazz singer-songwriter Arthur Thompson announced his new album *Keep On Dreaming*, dropping March 20. The lead single "I Needed You" features renowned guitarist Peter White and blends smooth jazz instrumentation with heartfelt vocals. Thompson describes the album as "purpose-driven," aiming to inspire hope and perseverance in listeners.
While *Keep On Dreaming* marks a new chapter for Arthur Thompson as a vocalist, he is perhaps best known as the drummer for the late, great Wayman Tisdale. Thompson, along with Toby Keith, was part of the Grammy-nominated performance of "Crying for Me," a tribute to Tisdale. He has also performed with acclaimed artists like bassist Marcus Miller and saxophonist Tom Braxton. The album's "purpose-driven" message is a reflection of Thompson's extensive work in community service. He is the founder of the nonprofit Build A Life, Save A Life, which houses programs like Math & Music and Drums Speak, using music and education to support children in need. For over a decade, he was also a co-founder and director of a foundation that provided programs for children with an incarcerated parent. *Keep On Dreaming: Arthurized Volume 1* is a ten-track album that delves into themes of optimism, mental health awareness, and support for those battling cancer. One track, "We Can BEAT Cancer," features saxophonist Dave Koz and vocalist Erin Stevenson and was written after several women close to Thompson were diagnosed with breast cancer. Another song, "Smile," features Mindi Abair on saxophone and is a tribute to the woman Thompson calls his muse. Featured guitarist Peter White is a renowned English musician known for his 20-year collaboration with singer-songwriter Al Stewart, co-writing the 1978 hit "Time Passages." White's signature nylon-string guitar sound has been a staple in the smooth jazz world for decades, and he has collaborated with a wide range of artists including Basia, Dave Koz, and Rick Braun.
