Mark Thompson
Mark Thompson
October 3rd 2009
Mark Thompson
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This talented young man started playing at the age of seven, has had tuition from Chiho Sunamoto and has also won the "Young Theatre Organist Of The Year" in 2002. He plays a Yamaha EL90, but you would not think he was playing a rather elderly model, as was soon evident when he opened the concert with a lively rendition of the A-Train. Did you hear the engine hissing whilst the train was gliding along the track to the sounds of the Coronation Scot? Wonderful.
Changing the mood a couple of ballads: One Moment In Time and She, both set to a romantic red background by Keith. I can't imagine that Mark has a lot of spare time, but when he does so, he likes nothing better than getting together with his old musicteacher to play duets. His nifty fingerwork showed in the Five Finger Boogie and the Coronation Rag!
A blue background and the moon shining set the scene for Moonlight Serenade whilst a kaleidoscope of colours accompanied Mark's A to Z medley of tunes: Ain't She Sweet - Bye Bye Blackbird - Camptown Races - Dance, Dance, Dance Little Lady - Easter Parade - Feed The Birds, Get Happy - Hello Dolly - I Can't Give You Anything But Love - Jailhouse Rock - King Of The Road - Let's Twist Again - Moonlight & Roses - Nellie The Elephant - Oh! You Beautiful Doll - Pack Up Your Troubles - Quando Quando - Release Me - The Stripper - Tie A Yellow Ribbon - Underneath The Arches - Vilia - Who Do
You Think You Are Kidding Mr. Hitler - Zanadu - Yankee Doodle & Zip-a-dee-doo-dah!
Once again producing a night sky we heard the Nightingale Sing In Berkeley Square before theatre organ sounds came to the fore for the Sailor's Hornpipe interspersed with Humoresque. The colours of the Spanish flag were just right for El Cumbanchero before concluding the first half with the Carnival of Venice, all played on the cornet, simply superb.
It wasn't just Mark who needed refreshments! Having changed from his Tuxedo into a pinstripe suit, Sousa's Liberty Bell march opened the second half swiftly followed by LeRoy Anderson's Plink Plank Plunk with Keith having fun with his lighting box of tricks. Crazy slowed us down before we all crashed down in front of the TV to listen to Eastenders - the A Team - Dallas - Sex and the City - Murder She Wrote - Keeping Up Appearances - Batman - Last Of The Summer Wine - the Perry Mason Theme - Hawaii 5-0 - Steptoe and Son - the X Files - Jeopardy - the Dick Van Dyke Show - Knot's Landing finishing off once again with the A Team.
The violin sounded beautiful in the Hungarian Dance or Czardas before Mark launched into a selection of songs from Les Miserables. A pedal solo was the highlight of Fly Me To The Moon plus Keith's shooting stars.
A lovely slow version of Estrella followed before Mark continued with My Way, concluding his concert with Pomp & Circumstance, the audience joining in with Land Of Hope And Glory. What a fantastic young man Mark is, a hugely talented musician, no wonder he is making a name for himself.
Why not come along to a Basildon Keyboard Club Concert, you will be made very welcome, have a great evenings entertainment, a complimentary cup of tea or coffee with biscuits and of course experience the delights of live music played on top of the range electronic organs & keyboards by the best players.