Like A Woman..C Records..Self Produced

Like A Woman..Dani Thompson..C Records
Dani Thompson..Vocals
Bud Thompson..Digital Keyboard
Tim Pleasant..Drums
Tim Emmons ..Bass
It takes a singer of immense strength to overcome a digital keyboard feeding incorrect chord changes. And Dani Thompson who is artistically head and shoulders above the efforts of the Bass and "Piano" manages to do just that. The drums miraculously hang in there timewise despite the rhythm sections weakness, giving it a sense of some organization
Dani Thompson has a flawless French accent, which is exhibited beautifully on "Ne T'en Vas Pas". Sophistication is the hallmark of this tune.
Dani Thompson has the potential, with proper accompaniment and perhaps a bit higher register, to be a fine vocalist.
An old adage says, "Show me who you're runnin with and I'll show you who you are"
Thompson needs the nuances that a true Piano can give. Highs and lows are the extent of any nuances that an electric Piano offers. It simply detracts from the vocals.
Let's hope that Dani Thompson's next recordng will have a Bassist and a Piano up to her standads (The drummer was fine and and contributed nicely, despite the the incoherent offerings of his counterparts in the rest of the rhythm section
Thomson has overcome a monumental obstacle in making this CD listenable in the face of the rebarbative keyboard and Bass

Dani Thompson With The Woody DeMarco Trio

Michael D's..Oct. 26..02
Dani Thompson..Vocals
Woody DeMarco..Keyboard
Hank Allen..Bass
Rex Harte..Drums

When svelte and lovely, Dani Thompson sang "For All We Know" in French, all conversation stopped at Michael D's Jazz Café. Everyone looked toward the stage in rapt attention and showed their appreciation on the final note with rousing applause.

"Here's That Rainy Day" found Thompson warmly embracing the lyric with romantic intensity, every note was treated with respect and every word was
sung with passion.

A very special rendition of "Folks Who Live On The Hill" was perhaps the apex of a terrific performance. Thompson's presentation made everyone feel that it was being sung to them and to them alone.

"Lover Come Back To Me" done up-tempo, swung nicely with Thompson showing the way and Woody DeMarco complementing the vocal with excellent backing and soloing with amazing facility. DeMarco is an artist of great talent with ideas that abound with originality.

Hank Allen made it all a bit easier with fine time and a sweet walking Bass.

Rex Harte on the Drums rounded out a fine trio.

This was a special night with a special singer.

Stu Goldberg Quartet + Dani Thompson Stu Goldberg Quartet + Dani Thompson Capt'n. Pauls Seafood...1-26-02 It was standing room only time at Joey Corne's fabulous eatery and this packed house was treated to a night of swinging jazz, as Stu Goldberg wove his mastery over the keyboard with finesse and dexterity. Goldberg is a thorough professional, able to adapt from one form of jazz to another with consummate ease. Dani Thompson, the willowy blonde songstress swung beautifully and her choice of tunes were very apropos for the occasion.. From "Besamé Mucho" to "Lover Come Back To Me" and a torcher like "My Funny Valentine" thrown in for good measure showed her vocal diversity and each was performed with delightful stage mannerisms that captivated everyone in the house. Add Thompson's sultry style and 3 1/ 2 octave range and the result is pure magic to hear. Oh, and a skin tight black and silver sequined pants outfit made things even more interesting. Kenny Goldberg on the Saxes and Flute, is a spectacular reedman, fast, slow, medium, latin, bop, avante garde, blues, it is "machts nichts" He is at home in all facets of jazz. I prefer his straight ahead approach, or bop if you will, there his talent is showcased at it's very best. The solos in this mode are fast and furious and really catch the audiences attention. Goldberg the younger played nice little fills for the vocals as well, really enhancing the mood of the tune for Dani Thompson. Rounding out the group: Bassist Jeff Falkner and Drummer Dave Renick.

Return to Capt. Paul's...By Request Attack Of The Killer Blondes Capt. Pauls..1-6-01 Flaxen haired foxes ruled this night at Capt. Paul's fabulous seafood restaurant in Oak Park, Ca. Lenore Raphael (Lady 88), a prominent jazz Pianist on the music scene in New York, Europe, and all of the USA for that matter, sat in and just swung to beat the band. Every musician in the ensemble was absorbed in her playing, showing appreciative smiles at her Bud Powell influenced piano work. With that said, Let me add that Raphael has her own ideas that are as fresh and exciting as one could hope for. Warp speed runs interspersed with ethereal little phrases played with a touch that is remarkable. Ah, the touch, so tenderly were the keys caressed at times that the listener had to feel the love affair going on with Raphael and her instrument. If only human beings could express that kind of love for each other. The other half of this blonde takeover was sultry Dani Thompson, who electrified the packed house with standards and original blues, capturing the audience with her appealing style and confident approach. "Day By Day" was performed with a combination of swagger and sweetness that brought the audience right into her hands. An original blues tune with very sexy overtones, had every man in the place captivated, their expressions said it all. With swinging backing like this, She will be a force to be reckoned with. I will never again tell a blonde joke. The Band: Enough cannot be said about this extraordinary group. Ira Nepus, the warm sounding Trombonist was as hot as grits and sang in a style that only could be accomplished by a musician. It was a joy to hear vocalizing like that again. Ira Nepus is a major figure on the jazz scene and his playing reflects it. Speaking of major figures, Bob Florence at the electric Piano coaxed that instrument into sounding like the real thing, now that is some championship playing that only a legendary artist like Florence or Raphael could bring off. Bob Florence was exquisite in backing Thompson. His solos were intriguing and subtle, complex phrasing, yet done clearly and beautifully. Tom Peterson complimented Nepus's efforts with their counter melody pieces and his solos on Tenor and Soprano Sax were toe tapping joyful excursions into the land of be-bop. Peterson swings. Mitch Holder playing guitar, takes your breath away with his speed and facility and then on ballads he simply melts your heart. artistry personified is Mr. Holder. Joe Porcaro the lefty drummer did his part to make the evening swing with time and emotion. This was a night to remember for all who attended. Capt. Paul's is a fantastic jazz venue with a sound system that is state of the art, and a menu that is beyond description in taste and presentation. Now add that to some big league jazz and who could ask for anything more?

Review of Appearance at Capt. Paul's Ira Nepus Quintet..Capt. Paul's Capt. Paul's Seafood...Oak Park, Ca. 12-23-01 Joey Corne, the genial owner of Capt. Paul's is careful to say that "This is a restaurant that has jazz, not a jazz club that has a restaurant". The food is extraordinary both in taste and in presentation. My companion and I agreed that it was the best seafood we had ever eaten. Joey Corne comes from a family of Massachusetts fishermen and this background is the basis for the exquisite menu of fine seafood. The music featured Ira Nepus on Trombone, Tom Peterson, Tenor Sax, Joe Porcaro, Drums, Leslie Baker, Bass, Bob Florence, Piano, and Mitch Holder, Guitar. The cool Trombone sound of Nepus is always a pleasurable listening experience and tonight was no exception. Holder is one of the finer Guitarists in jazz and his solos can be excursions into both tenderness or a blistering torrent of boppish notes, all done stylishly. Porcaro provided good time, nice embellishments and most importantly was sensitive to the sound of the ensemble. Leslie Baker has gigged with the major jazz figures on the L.A. scene. A fine timekeeper and brilliant soloist, She was the perfect addition to this Quintet. Bob Florence makes everyone turn it up a notch by virtue of his presence alone. The sparkling Piano choruses and the harmonics were masterful. The evidence of Florence's genius lies in his playing, composing and arranging, and tonight it was in the playing. The audience was further treated to the sultry voice of Dani Thompson who took the stage (and the hearts) of the patrons with searing versions of "All Of You" and "Here's That Rainy Day" Thompson is described by Trombonist Nepus as a "serious jazz singer" and when you combine that with fabulous looks, stage presence and a great voice, you have a star, one who lights up the room. This is a fine jazz venue combined with an incomparable array of gastronomical seafood delights. Capt. Paul's is located at 702 Lindero Canyon Rd. Oak Park, Ca. 818-499-4608

Dani Thompson Quartet

66 California...10-6-01
Scintillating, sizzling and sensuous was Dani Thompson's return engagement to the 66 California, once again capturing the collective hearts of a packed house, which welcomed her back warmly and enthusiastically. Backed by Bud Thompson at the Piano, Jeff Falkner on Bass and Gary Gibbons, Drums, this diva named Dani sang her heart out. "Imagination" was done with just what the title suggests..Imagination..."You Go To My Head" was rendered tenderly with great care paid to the lyrics, which is, after all, her forté. Mention must be made of the exceptional versions of "The Very Thought Of You" and "The Way You Look Tonight" both of which were executed with a complete feminine mood and the power of enticement was evident in every word, this is what is known in the trade as "selling a song"
Along with her looks and eye catching outfits (tonight skin tight gold pants and matching top, with a white jacket) Dani Thompson is a force to be reckoned with on the music scene....This stunning artist will be appearing again at this venue on January 12th. Don't miss it!!

Dani Thompson Quartet

66 California..6-9-01
Stunning in a black and silver sequined dress, Dani Thompson dazzled a packed house at the 66 California last night. A well prepared mix of carefully chosen standards and originals made it an extraordinary listening experience. Her wide vocal range is utilized to it's fullest extent and coupled with a delightful flair for the dramatic, Thompson not only sings, she performs! and it becomes a tour de force for this multi faceted artist who is also a song writer, actress and musician. Put them all together and you have a first class jazz vocalist.
The Musicians:
Bud Thompson, Piano

John Nathan on Drums was unobtrusive and that is this writer's criterion for a good percussionist. Good time and tasty accents by Nathan added to this evenings festivities.

John Mescall is the first jazz Cellist I have heard since Oscar Pettiford. At times his playing was not discernible. It was not coming through for some reason. When I could hear him, it was simply
beautiful , giving the group a unique sound.

Jeff Falkner playing Bass is a thing of beauty and a joy forever, as they say. As many times as I have heard him perform it only gets better. A master musician is Mr. Falkner indeed. Take it to the bank.

In Italian Dani Thompson would be described as a "Bella Faccia," in this writers jargon she is a lovely lady who sings very hip jazz. One tune that I get a kick out of is "I Wish I Were In Love Again" this Rodgers and Hart piece is not done much, so it sure got my attention when Thompson cutely sang the clever lyrics with her natural ebullience in full force....

An original number, dedicated to yours truly, entitled "Smooth Talkin' Man" was typically hip with undercurrents of sensuality peeking through the slick lyrics.

"Something Cool" describes a sweet descent into the boozy, smoke swirling existence of a sad woman. This song always makes me think of Miss Otis Regrets for some reason....Good Tune.

Dani Thompson holds nothing back. She gives her all to the performance. Elegance, style and professionalism make this classy lady just marvelous, too marvelous for words.......Remember the name, you wont forget the voice or persona I guarantee it..........
John Gilbert (johnnyjazz)

Review of LUNARIA Performance Watching Dani Thompson perform is kind of like cheering on you favorite team - you just want 'em to win, no matter what. In Dani's case the cheering, and the win, is justified. A singer of grace and depth, Dani brings a love of life and performing to the stage that shoots right out through an audience.  Performing at Lunaria, that audience love can be tested; the room is huge and, with a bar on one side and a dining room on the other, holding a crowd's attention is no mean feat.  Dani not only does so, but she does it in such an engaging manner that people paused mid-fork, more than once, to hear a song. A London native, Dani's career spans musical theatre to jazz, as well as various acting stints.  Whatever she's done she's paid attention, and she's found songs that reflect where she's been in her life, and where she hopes to go.  With a delivery that can go from growly to operatic, each number is infused with her remarkable energy.  She does just fine on pop songs but her real forte is ballads, particularly one she wrote herself, "Sit Beside Me."  A paean to love and all that can happen when things go right, this is a charmer, just like the lady herself. For the holidays, Dani's devoting herself to performing at area hospitals and hospices, but after January, she'll be back at Lunaria and is working on a show for the Cinegrill.                                                                                    CLUB CORNER   by Joe Morris

Review of "NUANCE" Performance OFF MIKE:  She was here, there, and seemingly everywhere - at Spumoni in Westwood, at Melrose Place, at Monteleone's in Tarzana - but singer Dani Thompson proved an elusive catch.  Meanwhile rumors were flying about big changes due at Nucleus Nuance, the venerable blues and jazz emporium on Melrose. As luck would have it, Dani was booked at Nucleus Monday nights. Dani, it turned out, is a slender, willowy blonde who wore a little black sequin dress cut down to here and up to there, and appeared to be maybe in her early 20's.  Gifted with a husky, sexy voice and a clear penchant for ballads, she sang sometimes in French ("For All We Know"), occasionally in Spanish ("What a Difference a Day Makes"). A charmer, she easily kept the Monday night crowd in her corner, and occasionally on the dance floor (where Yolanda and Harold, clearly in the throes of new love, proved they can jitterbug with the best of them). Even the menu is in transition, but the food was superb.  Between sets, we had a chance to chat with the chanteuse,. "I'm thrilled to have my passion back," she said, referring to her musical career.  "The older one gets the more you realize it's hard to do it all, but I want to get my songs out there."  To that end, she's currently working on a CD, tentatively titled "Sit Beside Me", and will perform for two nights in February at SIR on Sunset (formerly the Directors Guild) in a benefit for Project Angel Food.                                                                                                                                                                                                        CABARET CORNER by Jason McCloskey