Ep443: Chester Thompson (Genesis, Zappa and more)

The Vinyl Guide Interview - For Record Collectors & Music Nerds

Drumming legend Chester Thompson has played with many great artists including Frank Zappa, Wayne Shorter, Genesis and more. Today we discuss some career highlights, his new solo LP "Wake Up Call" and more.

• Chester’s music collection
• Seeing Art Blakey, Elvis Jones and more
• Being a gigging drummer at 13 years old
• Recording with O’Donel Levy – 1st appearance on record
• Moving to California, playing for Frank Zappa
• Recording “Roxy & Elsewhere” w Ralph Humphrey
• Playing with multiple drummers
• Frank was very fair paying musicians for all output
• Steering clear of the Los Angeles lifestyle
• Joining Weather Report, working with Wayne Shorter
• Recording “Black Market”
• Playing with Jaco Pastorius / Columbia Records supportive of fusion
• Playing with a Broadway show, getting the gig with Genesis
• 1st tour with Genesis / evolving style to play Phil’s tracks
• Chester’s perspective of the evolving music of Genesis
• The growth of Genesis / expanding fanbase
• The recent discussions of Genesis reunions with Peter Gabriel
• The biggest shows / Memories of The Prince’s Trust
• Approaching solo material
• Making the album “Wake Up Call”
• Writing with drums first before melody
• The reasons for title “Wake Up Call”
• Some drummers needing to relearn technique
• Upcoming plans for live gigs
• Getting involved in ProgRock.com label
• Is Chester surprised by the vinyl revival?
• Interview wrap up

Get the vinyl version of "Wake Up Call" here.

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