My Music. My Story. is one of Classical Music Indy’s initiatives to feature music, musicians, and music lovers in a fun way. We spoke with 19 year-old, jazz saxophonist Bryan Thompson, who grew up on Indianapolis’ west side, attended Broad Ripple Magnet High School for Performing Arts and is currently attending Indiana University.
My Music. My Story. Bryan Thompson.
When did you start playing?
I started playing at the age of 9.
What was your first gig?
My first was at a birthday for a private event. Very nervous but it went well!
What does music mean to you?
Music means everything to me. It is my way of expressing emotion and release. It is like an antidote to the troubles in life.
How do you view your work as a musician benefits the community?
My music provides an escape for people. I like for people to listen to my music and get taken on a journey away from stress. My songs tell a story and I want people to listen to my thoughts through a melody. I think my music can benefit society in this way. I want them to listen, imagine, and escape.
Who is your biggest musical hero and why?
Kenny G has to be my biggest musical hero as he is the only saxophonist I know that has a tremendous amount of success and his music is organic. I [hope to] follow in his footsteps as he achieved so much and I hope to do the same.
How has music influenced your life?
Music has been the center of my life since I was 3. Music has given me a creative outlet that has allowed me to entertain and bless people, travel, make some money, and most importantly allow my imaginations to be heard.
Any great music-related stories from your life?
The most memorable music moment in my life was actually playing for Kenny G (see video below) and hearing him say “Man… you were a lot further than where I was at your age.” It was inspiring and actually humbling in many ways.
Below are two videos of Bryan playing, including a video of when he met Kenny G! You can find Bryan on Facebook and Twitter, and hear him play in person on Saturday, August 27 at 6 PM at the Indianapolis Artsgarden.
Hi, my new is Donnell and I would like to book Bryan for my wedding Feb. 16, 2018. Please provide me with a link.
Hi Donnell, you can reach Bryan through his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bryanthompsonofficial/
Hi, my name is Kareem, I so much enjoy Bryan Thompson’s classic music, how do I get his cd’s ?
Hi Kareem, You can follow him on Facebook where he’ll post info about upcoming events and recordings. One of his recent posts was for an EP on iTunes here: Genesis – EP by Bryan Thompson https://itun.es/us/EjCb_
You can also follow him on FB here: https://www.facebook.com/bryanthompsonofficial/
Hi Bryan,
I recently discovered you on Instagram and absolutely love you. The saxophone is my favorite instrument and you are one of my favorite now as well. You are awesome!!
Will you ever tour in Dallas?
Hi Landus,
If you’d like to contact Bryan, you can reach him through his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bryanthompsonofficial/
I enjoyed watching the video. There were many successful sax players besides Kenny G: Grover Washington, Ornette Coleman, Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Cannonball Adderly, Stan Getz, Michael Brecker, Raashan Roland Kirk, Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum, Eric Marienthal, Joe Farrell, Maceo Parker, Stanley Turrentine, Joshua Redmon and David Sanborn, Steve Cole, Boney James, Euge Groove, Mindy Abair, Kim Waters, Eric Darius, Candy Dulfer, Jeanette Harris, and Althea Rene to name a few. There’s also Greg Bacon a successful local sax player.
Listen to some of these who were before Kenny G or are his contemporaries and you will see that Kenny G, whom I like too, is not the only successful sax player. Much success to you!
Hello
Can I ask what instrument is he playing ? I recognize the saxophone but I don’t know what’s the other one. Is it another kind of saxo ? Thank you for your help.
Hi,
Of course! He is playing the soprano saxophone. There are 4 main types of saxophones, and each one has a lower or higher sound: Soprano (High), Alto (Medium-High), Tenor (Medium-Low), and Baritone (Low).
-Eric Salazar, Assistant Director of Community Engagement with Classical Music Indy & Clarinetist-
The other one instrument is the soprano saxophone much more difficult to play air hole is much more smaller to blow thru.
What brand of soprano saxophone he’s been using..?