Lawrie Thompson

Biography

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	Contact: 0413 317 717
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	Instruments: Drums

Born in Melbourne - he studied piano before taking up drums and eventually leading the Southern City Jazz Band.

In 1963, Graeme Bell invited him to join his famous "All Stars" in Sydney. Upon returning some years later from England, Lawrie worked accompanying international artists in Bill Burton's Orchestra. After a stint with Galapagos Duck, he joined the Don Burrows Quartet, touring Japan and Asia and recording the award winning album 'Don Burrows Live at the Sydney Opera House.'

Over the following two decades, Lawrie toured USA, Europe and Asia many times with the famous Bob Barnard Jazz Band, with John McCarthy, Chris Taperell, John Costelloe and Wally Wickham The band recorded many albums including a happy session with the Kenny Ball Band titled 'The Bulldog and the Kangaroo'. Another album by the band was cut with visiting tenor legend Bud Freeman, on which Lawrie and Bud played a duet – the only other drummers known to record in duets with Bud were Dave Tough and Cliff Leeman The following years saw Lawrie working on daytime television in the Mike Walsh and Ray Martin Midday Show bands, yet still being able to play jazz dates and tour.

A highlight was being on the road with the great jazz icon Billy Eckstine - a memorable experience. While currently playing with Bob Henderson's Quartet, Lawrie leads 'The Ozcats', a 9 piece hot band similar to the great Bob Crosby Bobcats, and is often seen in Sydney's leading New Orleans and Mainstream styled bands.

 

 

 

The following samples of music by Lawrie Thompson are available for online listening.

 

'March of the Bobcats'