What’s New - Sir Charles Thompson 1964.br br Sir Charles Thompson - piano (b. 1918)br In 1940 he was briefly with Lionel Hampton's big band but preferred small group work, although he regularly wrote arrangements for musicians like Count Basie br During the 50s Thompson worked with leading jazzmen such as Lester Young (who bestowed upon him the title by which he was subsequently known), Coleman Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet and Buck Clayton, the last an especially important musical associate.br Through the 60s he continued playing with Roy Eldridge, Clayton and other major artists, and also led his own groups. Poor health slowed his career in the 70s but by the 80s he was back on the scene again, playing at numerous venues around the world.br A effective ensemble player, Thompson's work in the Clayton bands of the mid-50s ably demonstrated his understated skills. His solos display a calm assurance.