Chester Thompson

Chester Thompson

Birth : 1948-12-11, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

History

Chester Cortez Thompson is an American musician. He is primarily a drummer, percussionist, session musician, producer, and teacher. Thompson is perhaps best known for working with Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention from 1973 to 1975, and with the progressive rock band Genesis from 1977 to 1992, and again in 2007. He is a current member of his jazz group, the Chester Thompson Trio, formed in 2011.

Profile

Chester Thompson

Movies

Zappa
Self (archive footage)
With the help of more than 10,000 dedicated Zappa fans, this is the long-awaited definitive documentary project of Alex Winter documenting the life and career of enigmatic groundbreaking rock star Frank Zappa. Alex also utilizes in this picture thousands of hours of painstakingly digitized videos, photos, audio, writing, and everything in between from Zappa's private archives. These chronicles have never been brought to a public audience before, until now.
Frank Zappa & The Mothers - Roxy - The Movie 1973
Himself
A Frank Zappa show goes way beyond a mere concert – it is an experience…a flight of improvisation, musicianship, and cerebral cynicism. An unparalleled Composer and Guitarist, Zappa redefined rock n roll paradigms by introducing into the mix his favorite influences from classical music, jazz, blues, doowop, traditional and non-traditional music. And he did so with unparalleled humor and audacity. But it was the music itself that influenced generations of musicians and, quite frankly, blew minds. Roxy: The Movie, filmed over three nights in December 1973, at the Roxy Theatre in Hollywood, CA, is a powerful display of this experience, and reveals what made him such a pioneering musical revolutionary.
Cheepnis
Himself
Featuring the only footage Zappa cut together from his legendary 1973 Roxy concerts, "Cheepnis" sings the praises of low-budget monster movies. This short documents the director, bandleader, songwriter and musician at work. (American Cinematheque program notes)
Frank Zappa: A Token Of His Extreme
himself
Frank Zappa: A Token of his Extreme is the 1974 television special recorded at Kcet in Hollywood that was produced by Zappa and aired only in France and Switzerland. The program, as thoroughly tweezed and produced by Zappa for his own Honker Home Video label, includes the following musical performances by Zappa and his band: T”he Dog Breath Variations/ Uncle Meat,” “Montana,” “Florentine Pogen,” “Stink-Foot,” “Pygmy Twylyte,” “Room Service,” “Inca Roads,” “Oh No,” Son of Orange County,” “More Trouble Every Day” and “A Token of My Extreme.” In the words of Zappa himself as he said it on The Mike Douglas Show in 1976, “This is put together with my own money and my own time and it’s been offered to television networks and to syndication and it has been steadfastly rejected by the American television industry.
Phil Collins: Going Back - Live at the Roseland Ballroom, NYC
Drums
This concert Blu-ray sees Phil Collins take his superb new album Going Back into the live arena. Filmed in June of this year in the intimate surroundings of New York s famous Roseland Ballroom, this is a real chance to get up close and personal as Phil Collins faithfully recreates the soul and Motown classics that he loved as a teenager. His band includes three of Motown s original backing band The Funk Brothers: Bob Babbitt on bass and guitarists Eddie Willis and Ray Monette, as well as two stalwarts of Genesis live shows: Chester Thompson on drums and Darryl Stuermer on guitars. Phil Collins performs a number of Motown covers during the course of this high-energy show performed at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. The setlist of over a dozen tunes includes "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone,"and "Going to a Go-Go."
Genesis: When in Rome
Dukes Intro - Turn It On Again - No Son Of Mine - Land Of Confusion - In The Cage / Cinema Show / Dukes Travels - Afterglow - Hold On My Heart - Home By The Sea - Follow You Follow Me - Firth Of Fifth - I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) - Mama - Ripples - Throwing It All Away - Domino - Conversations with 2 Stools - Los Endos - Tonight, Tonight, Tonight - I Can't Dance - Carpet Crawlers
Genesis - Live in Düsseldorf
Himself - Drums
On June 27th 2007, Genesis was playing a sold out show on their "Turn it on again"-Tour at Düsseldorfs LTU Arena. This show was broadcast live and uncut via satellite in selected cinemas in the UK and in Sweden.
The Long Goodnight: A Film About Phil Collins
Himself
"In 2004 I came to a major decision in my life. I decided to stop my seemingly endless days of touring. I had been on the road for the last 30 years, and now with 2 young children I decided that enough was enough. It was time to say goodnight. This film documents the last stage of that goodnight tour. It covered many places I'd never played before, and some places NO ONE had played before. The result was that we encountered many remarkable obstacles. Sadly it was during this tour that my marriage slowly disintegrated before my eyes... and there was nothing to be done but continue. Filmmaker Anthony Mathile was with me from the first day of rehearsals to the last date in Prague. Therefore he captured many moments, good/bad... happy/sad. For me it is a film of mixed emotions, but it is also a film that touches me more than anything I've done before." - Phil Collins
Frank Zappa: A Token of His Extreme
Himself
From "The Dub Room Special": 1.Approximate (3:56) 2.Cosmik Debris (5:14) 3.Room Service (5:58) Not For Broadcast 4.Stinkfoot (5:44) 5.Inca Roads (9:55) 6.Pygmy Twylyte (3:53) 7.Room Service (5:18) Song Selection 8.Dog Meat (4:10) - Dog Breath and Uncle Meat 9.More Trouble Every Day (13:07) 10.Montana (4:50) 11.George Duke Solo (7:40) 12.Florentine Pogen (8:15) 13.Oh No (4:54) 14.Pygmy Twylyte (9:46) 15.Stinkfoot (8:48) 16.Inca Roads (8:41)
Genesis: The Video Show
Himself
This Video Show DVD traces the band's history during the height of their popularity with Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, and Tony Banks as the main force behind their success. Peter Gabriel appears in a 1999 version of "The Carpet Crawlers." The DVD features classic MTV staples like "Land of Confusion," "Invisible Touch," and "I Can't Dance." Now visually digitally remastered, this is the first time all of the Genesis promotional videos have become available on DVD. In addition, rare BBC footage of "Paperlate" is included.
Phil Collins - Live at Montreux
Batterie
Phil Collins has made a number of appearances at Montreux over the years as a solo artist, with his big band or as a guest performer with the likes of Eric Clapton and Quincy Jones. In this performance filmed at the 2004 festival, he performs all of his best known hits from his solo career. Bonus footage of a performance by the Phil Collins Big Band at Montreux from 1996 is also included. This is the first time any of Phil's big band material has been made available and features Tony Bennett on a track. This combination of all his classic songs coupled with rare big band material shows the breadth of musical genres Phil has covered in his career and makes a perfect celebration of Phil's association with Montreux.
Phil Collins: Finally... The First Farewell Tour
In 2004, Phil Collins began the first leg of an international concert tour which Collins announced would mark his retirement from live performing. Phil Collins: Finally...The First Final Farewell documents the Paris date on his last set of live shows, in which the internationally famous musician was joined by a superb backing band for a set of his greatest songs. Selections include "In the Air Tonight," "Against All Odds," "Sussudio," "Don't Lose My Number," "Take Me Home," "One More Night," and many more.
Genesis: Inside Genesis 1975-1980
Spanning the years 1975 to 1980, this music-rich review traces a tumultuous but pivotal time for Genesis, an era that saw the band lose lead singer Peter Gabriel and learn to rely on the vocal prowess and pop sensibilities of drummer Phil Collins. Extras include bonus tracks of former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett, who left the band in 1977, performing "Please Don't Touch" and "In the Quiet Earth."
Steve Hackett: The Tokyo Tapes - Live In Japan 1996
Himself - Drums
In 1996, Steve Hackett (formerly of Genesis) assembled a progressive rock supergroup, including players from Genesis, King Crimson, Asia, Weather Report, and Frank Zappa's band, for two nights of concerts in Japan.
Genesis - The Genesis Songbook
Himself
When Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford joined forces in the late sixties, their intentions were not to be recording artists but rather songwriters. That initial plan soon fell by the wayside when they secured a record deal and became Genesis, progressing from the underground scene with such albums as "Trespass" and "Nursery Cryme," to become household names with the addition of drummer/singer Phil Collins and such chart topping albums as "We Can't Dance" and "Invisible Touch." By talking to the individual members of the group, discover what they consider to be their favorite Genesis songs, and why certain songs have a special place in the Genesis story. Song include: I Can't Dance, Invisible Touch, Follow You Follow Me, The Musical Box, Supper's Ready, I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe), The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, Afterglow, Misunderstanding, Turn It On Again, Mama, Land of Confusion.
Santana: Supernatural Live
Himself
Like the hit album that inspires its name, Supernatural Live brings journeyman guitarist Carlos Santana back into the mainstream by surrounding him with younger superstars eager to bask in his formidable musical presence. Resuscitating stardom through sheer proximity can translate to forced pairings or superfluous music making, but credit Santana himself with minimizing such missteps. A fusion artist before the term was coined, the erstwhile Mexican street musician long ago extended his technical reach and broadened his stylistic palette by hungrily assimilating different styles of music. Accordingly, he shifts gears easily, whether soloing behind Dave Matthews, trading lines with legendary saxophonist Wayne Shorter, or spicing up a hip-hop excursion with Lauryn Hill.
God Is Able - Ron Kenoly
Drums and Percussion
Join Ron Kenoly live at the Atlantic Civic Centre. Experience the energy, the joy, and excitement as you join 4,000 enthusiastic worshippers in an event celebrating God's power to prevail. Featuring 15 dynamic praise and worship songs, this event is full of expression and creativity.
Genesis - The Way We Walk: Live in Concert
Himself - Drums
A live performances from the We Can't Dance tour filmed on 8 November, 1992 at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London.
Genesis - A Midsummer Night's Dance
Himself
Genesis live at the "We can't dance" tour, Knebworth Park, Hertfordshire, UK, 2nd August 1992. Tracks: DVD 1 ----- 1. Land of Confusion 2. No Son of Mine 3. Driving the Last Spike 4. Old Medley (Dance on a Volcano / The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway / Musical Box / Firth of Fifth / I Know What I Like (including small parts of Follow You Follow Me / That's All / Your Own Special Way / Stagnation) 5. Throwing It All Away 6. Fading Lights 7. Jesus He Knows Me DVD 2 ----- 1. Home By the Sea / Second Home By the Sea 2. Hold on My Heart 3. Domino: i) In The Glow of the Night ii) The Last Domino 4. Drum Duet 5. I Can't Dance Encore: 6. Tonight Tonight Tonight 7. Invisible Touch 8. Turn it On Again
Genesis: Opening Night
Himself
Following Genesis in their preparation for the We Can't Dance tour, 1992.
Genesis - We Can't Dance
Phil Collins: Serious Hits Live
Self (Drums / Percussion)
The English pop superstar and erstwhile Genesis drummer recorded this concert in Berlin during his Serious Hits tour of 1990. The two-DVD set contains 24 classic tracks, including the hit singles "Against All Odds," "Sussudio," "Another Day in Paradise," and "You Can't Hurry Love." Bonus features include an interview with Collins, a photo gallery, and multiple camera angles.
Genesis - Live at Wembley Stadium
Himself - Drums
Invisible Touch Tour is a live video by the English rock band Genesis, released in 1988 on Virgin Music Video. It was the first concert ever shot in High Definition and cameras and lenses had to be flown in from the USA and Japan. It was directed by Jim Yukich and produced by Paul Flattery of FYI. It was edited at the band's facilities known as The Farm by Jerry Behrens and David Foster. It documents the band's four sold out shows at Wembley Stadium in London between 1–4 July 1987 at the end of their Invisible Touch Tour promoting their thirteenth studio album, Invisible Touch. A limited edition release included a CD single containing the live version of "Domino" as performed on the video. In 2003, the video was reissued on DVD and renamed Genesis Live at Wembley Stadium.
Genesis: Invisible Touch Tour
Himself
Genesis plays at London's Wembley Stadium from on July 1 to 4, 1987 as part of their "Invisible Touch" world tour.
Genesis - Live at Wembley Stadium
Himself, Drums
Filmed at Wembley Stadium during 4 sold out Concerts (01. - 04. July 1987) to an Audience of 288.000
Genesis: Special Montreux 1987
Himself
Highlights of a May 1987 set in Montreux, Switzerland.
Genesis Live: The Mama Tour
Himself
Highlights from Genesis' concerts at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, February 1984, at the end of the Mama Tour, supporting their 1983 self-titled album.
Phil Collins: No Ticket Required
By the time he released his third solo album, Phil Collins had become a near-ubiquitous presence on the radio, thanks to his increasingly mainstream work with Genesis, his own chart hits, and his indelible production stamp on other artists' albums. No Jacket Required did nothing to stem the tide of all-Phil-all-the-time playlists--which is fine, considering that overall, it's likely his best solo effort, ranging from the engaging rockers "I Don't Wanna Know," "Don't Lose My Number," and the silly Prince rewrite "Sussudio" to heartfelt ballads such as "One More Night" and "Long Long Way to Go," which features a vocal cameo by the (at the time) equally omnipresent Sting. --Daniel Durchholz
Genesis - The MAMA Tour
Himself - Drums
Genesis Live - The Mama Tour is a 1985 home video featuring footage from a Genesis concert in February 1984. It was filmed at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England, and directed by Jim Yukich.
Genesis: Mama Tour Rehearsal
Himself
Recording of the first half of the Mama tour's setlist from a rehearsal tape. The location and person behind the camera are not confirmed, but the location is likely Dallas, TX, and the person filming is likely Jim Yukich, the man behind several of the Genesis and Phil Collins music videos. (Genesis Central on YouTube)
Genesis: Genesis
Phil Collins: Live at Perkins Palace
Phil Collins plays at Perkins Palace on his 1982 "Hello, I Must Be Going" tour, his first solo tour. His backup band features Genesis band mates Daryl Steurmer and Chester Thompson, and the famous Earth, Wind, & Fire horns. Set list: I Don't Care Anymore, I Cannot Belive It's True, Thru These Walls, I Missed Again, Behind The Lines, The Roof Is Leaking, The West Side, In The Air Tonight, You Can't Hurry Love, It Don't Matter To Me, People Get Ready.
Frank Zappa: The Dub Room Special!
Self
Produced by Frank Zappa in 1982, The Dub Room Special combines footage from a performance at the KCET studios in Los Angeles on August 27, 1974, a concert performed at The Palladium, NYC on October 31, 1981, some clay animation by Bruce Bickford, and several interviews. Previously only available through mail-order, it was made widely available on DVD on October 17, 2005.
Genesis - Three Sides Live
Himself - Drums
Three Sides Live is a 1981 concert film of the Abacab tour by British rock band Genesis. It tied in with the double live album of the same name. The songs featured are mostly from the group's then most recent albums Duke and Abacab, plus a medley that comprises extracts from The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway ("In the Cage" and "The Colony of Slippermen") and Selling England by the Pound ("The Cinema Show"), leading into "Afterglow" from Wind & Wuthering.
Genesis in Liverpool
Himself
Granada Television (UK) documentary, following Genesis on their 1980 Duke tour.
Genesis: The Lyceum Tapes
Self
Two nights (May 6th and 7th, 1980) capturing the band with a foot between two worlds — their prog rock roots and their growing pop music sensibilities. Right before their explosion to stadiums and arenas, this intimate show looks back at the band that once was.
Genesis - Two Night Stand - First Night
Himself
Genesis - Two Night Stand - First Night - 6th May 1980 - Lyceum Ballroom, London, England. Tracks are: Deep In The Motherlode / Dancing With The Moonlit Knight / Carpet Crawlers / Squonk / One For The Vine / Behind The Lines / Duchess / Guide Vocal / Turn It On Again / Duke's Travels / Duke's End / Say It's Alright Joe / The Lady Lies / Ripples (Last Part) / In The Cage / Slippermen / Afterglow / Follow You Follow Me / Dance On A Volcano / Drum Duet / Los Endos / I Know What I Like Total Running Time : 2:20:34
Genesis: Live in London
Self
'Dinosaurs' is a term that seems to fit Genesis like no other band. Jointly with 'Yes', Genesis have been the most influential band for generations of progressive rock bands. 1974 saw the release of The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, an epic prog rock monument tuned to perfection. Not all was peaches and cream, however, when singer Peter Gabriel left the band after the supporting tour. After a long, futile search for a new vocalist, the remaining band members decided to let drummer Phil Collins take over the microphone - another stroke of genius. Whether it was mainly for Collins or not, the band steadily drifted away from theatrical prog rock towards mainstream pop music. Perfect evidence is this 1980 concert at the Lyceum Ballroom in London which coincided with the work on their monster-selling studio album Abacab.
Genesis - Seconds Out
Himself
Live at The Moody Coliseum, University Park, Dallas, Texas, March 19, 1977 When they toured, Genesis decided to go for the best light show imaginable, dropping the projections they had used in the past. According to the CD notes, “The result was staggering. The sight of those fifty jumbo jet landing lights, lit all at once or flashing in time with the music, or the amazing new laser effects, left audiences stunned and delighted and in no doubt at all that this was indeed a world class band.” They had also become a very tight outfit and the show was taped for an official release, which never materialised. Songlist: 1.) Firth Of Fifth 2.) Dance On A Volcano 3.) Drum Duet 4.) Los Endos 5.) The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway 6.) The Musical Box (Ending Section)
Weather Report: Live in Berlin
Weather Report live at the Philharmonie, Berlin, Germany, November 6, 1975. Program: Freezing Fire - Scarlet Woman - Mysterious Traveller - Badia/Boogie Woogie Waltz