Bert Thompson is an old friend — we worked together in bands in the San Francisco Bay area. Like several of the very top traditional jazz musicians in the US, Bert is from the UK, born in Dundee, Scotland. He came to the US and played in the 101st Airborne Division band for two years. He has degrees from San Francisco State and the Ph. D. from the University of Oregon. He retired as an English professor a few years ago. Bert has played with many of the great bands in the San Francisco area, including 10 years with Professor Plum. For many years, he was the drummer with Gremoli, a 6-piece New Orleans- style band, and Ted Shafer's Jelly Roll Jazz Band, an 8-piece Watters/Oliver-style band. Bert has contributed many pieces for our Rag. Most are CD reviews of some of the very good small bands from the USA and Europe. Other columns are a bit more controversial. Stay tuned!!
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