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 LP is pleased to announce that Kim Thompson, currently on tour with
Beyoncé Knowles, is officially endorsing LP percussion instruments.
Kim represents a new breed of drummers for whom mere familiarity with
multiple musical genres is not enough. Kim Thompson is considered an
expert jazz player and a proficient stadium pop drummer.
Recently gracing the cover of Modern Drummer magazine, Kim Thompson spoke
modestly about the extent of her capabilities. To put it in stronger terms,
Kim is a monstrous jazz drummer who displays heavy doses of Elvin Jones and
especially Tony Williams. Certainly, Kim is not one to only play swing time
in the background but, rather, contributes explosive dynamic range that propels
musicians to play their best. Her spirited jazz style is dramatically set
out in the limited-release television documentary, The Jazz Clubs of New
York, in which Kim Thompson’s long Monday night residency with guitarist
Mike Stern at the 55 Bar is documented. Other prominent jazz gigs include
Kenny Barron, Tia Fuller, Roy Hargrove, Gary Dourdan and Richard Bona. In
addition, Kim plays regularly with Tony Williams Band alumnus Wallace Roney.
In the style of the late Williams, Wallace pushes Kim to probe relentlessly
with cymbals, snare and bass drum.
Joining Beyoncé’s rhythm section was somewhat a left turn for
Kim Thompson. Previously, she had been groomed as a jazz drummer, beginning
with studies in her native California and culminating with a degree from
the Manhattan School of Music. Kim, however, gratefully embraced the challenge
of performing with an acclaimed artist such as Beyoncé. In that rhythm
section, Kim leans on LP’s renowned bells and blocks, which state the
time clearly and project effortlessly. A long time fan of LP instruments,
for reasons of aesthetics, durability and “fit” with her kit,
Kim was eager to join the LP artist team.
While traveling with Beyoncé, Kim reflected on bringing LP
percussion instruments to diverse spots on the globe, from Asia to New York City. Her
LP gear holds up well and affords Kim reliability and comfort, aspects that
are critically important on tour. And LP has extra significance to Kim: It’s
hung with her from lean days to globe hopping with celebrities.
LP is proud to accompany Kim Thompson on her journeys through jazz and pop.
We look forward to a long relationship and and are happy to embrace Kim as
a member of our family of artists.
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