MIKE THOMPSON, 6th Avenue

Only four years after graduating from Berklee College of Music, composer, arranger and producer Mike Thompson lays an incredible foundation for a thriving career as a contemporary large ensemble/big band leader with the release of his freewheeling, high energy debut collection 6th Avenue.

From a snappy, breezily swinging take on “All The Things You Are” (highlighted with a shimmering solo by Grammy winning trumpeter Bijon Watson and a sassed-out, musical theater worthy spin through “Let’s Do It” (soaring on the drama-filled lead vocals of Charlize Vermaak) through a whimsy-filled, fast fluttering waltz of “Someday My Prince Will Come” (featuring the otherworldly flute runs of Sarpay Ozcagatay), the collection offers a powerhouse initial showcase of Thompson’s spirited, curiosity and discovery filled arrangements.

Thompson’s arrangements are brought to vibrant life with a 17 piece ensemble of mostly veterans from the local Boston big band scene, including the popular Backbeat Big Band. Though he arranged, conducted and produced this endlessly engaging set, it’s noteworthy that his primary instruments are vibes, marimba and concert percussion – talents whose inspiration comes to light on the joyous and celebratory , deeply percussive spin on Jobim’s “Chega de Saudade,” fashioned as a tribute to vibraphone legend Gary Burton, whose version Thompson has long admired. Mark Shilansky’s piano work is stellar throughout but especially exhilarating on this track.