Jesse Thompson | The Symphony of Life: Harmony and Heritage - Mick Unplugged [EP 25]

Episode Transcription

• Jesse Thompson | The Symphony of Life: Harmony and Heritage - Mick Unplugged [EP 25]

  Intro: Are you ready to change your habits, sculpt your destiny, and light up your path to greatness? Welcome to the epicenter of transformation. This is Mick Unplugged. We'll help you identify your because so you can create a routine that's not just productive, but powerful. You'll embrace the art of evolution, adapt strategies to stay ahead of the game, and take a step toward the extraordinary. So let's unleash your potential. Now, here's Mick.

  Mick Hunt: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another inspiring episode of Mick Unplugged. And today, we have a true musical genius joining us. He's a multi-talented composer, pianist, and keyboardist calling from the land of funk, Dayton, Ohio. With a rich family heritage in music, he's been inspired by legends like the Ohio Players, Lakeside, and Zapp. With a catalog so deep and a sound that is so inspiring, I personally call him the king of feel-good music. Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome mister Jesse, JT Jazz Thompson, to Mick Unplugged. JT, how you doing, brother?

  Jesse Thompson: Brother, I'm doing so well. Thanks so much. I appreciate it. How are you doing?

  Mick Hunt: I'm doing great now that I'm here with you, man.

  Jesse Thompson: Oh, man. I'm honored, brother. Thanks for having me on your show. This really means a lot.

  Mick Hunt: It means a lot to me too. And I wanna go in and talk about your musical journey, man. Like, you have so much depth. And I'd love for you to just kinda share some more about your early days, you know, growing up in Dayton and how growing up in a family of musicians influenced your career.

  Jesse Thompson: Oh, man. Yeah. Well, first of all, I'm very grateful to God because, you know, my gift comes from him. And my mother was a church organist and pianist, and my dad was a professional jazz drummer. So it kinda started there. I was 5 years old, and I went into our basement. And there's this big room, like well, to me, it was big because I was little, you know. And I opened the door, and I see these little shiny objects back there. And I just started, you know, pulling them out one by one. And my parents looked at each other, and, next thing I know, it was a drum set. It was my dad's old jazz drum set. And so at that moment, I just took an interest in playing drums, and he started teaching me and giving me some lessons. And then after that, while doing that rather, I also was interested in watching my mom play the organ and everything, and I started tinkering around on the keys. At that moment, she took me to a place back home called BHA Music, which was a place that sold pianos and organs, and that's where we got ours from. Took lessons there on a Saturday, and by me being a little kid, I didn't wanna miss my cartoons. So my mom was like, look. I'm not gonna force you. When you're ready, you're ready. So at that moment, I went back home, stayed home, skipped the lessons, but I was still being taught by her. And then also my oldest brother, Marvin, who played with Slave and Parliament, and he also did stuff with Troutman and those guys. So, you know, my house was full of gospel, jazz, and R&B and some blues. So at that moment, I'm, you know, being taught by family, and then I'm following my brother. He takes me with him to the studio. So I'm learning at a very early age how to conduct, how to listen, how to pay attention. It was just such a blessing and a treat. So, you know, it just went from one thing to another, and I started playing snare drum in school as well. Then I played the cello. I was so tiny that the cello was bigger than me. So I played the cello and also the upright. And my mom and dad say, listen. We like you playing that big instrument, but we're afraid you're gonna get jumped, and we don't wanna have to pay for it. So you gotta pick another instrument. So I wind up picking up the trumpet, and so I learned how to play all brass instruments. So in every era, every year in my school life, I was in different bands and playing different instruments. So everything from jazz to concert band. So music was just all throughout the household as well as playing drums in church. I did that too. So it was just amazing. So by the time I got to the age of 12, I was already playing 13 instruments, 10 different instruments at that time.

  Mick Hunt: I can't even fathom that. And so yeah. That's why I call you the genius. Right? Because or maybe I should call you the prodigy because that's not something that anyone can do. Right? Like 13 instruments?

  Jesse Thompson: At the age of 12. Yes. Yes.

  Mick Hunt: That's insane. So what instrument can Jesse not play?

  Jesse Thompson: Well, believe it or not, I'm not a clarinet or saxophone player yet. I still wanna learn, though. So I pretty much stuck with all of the string and brass instruments and keyboards and percussions as well, different types of percussions, including xylophone. So that's the one thing I would like to learn how to play is an actual saxophone itself. I like the sax.

  Mick Hunt: I'm gonna challenge you because I know how you are.

  Jesse Thompson: Yeah. Right. Exactly.

  Mick Hunt: Prove you can do it, JC. Prove you do it.

  Jesse Thompson: Hey, man. Hey, bro. Make my next project. I'm featuring myself on sax.

  Mick Hunt: Exactly. Exactly. So, you know, Dayton, Ohio, the land of funk. Right? Like, I love Motown, but when I was born, Motown had already moved out west. Right? So, you know, it wasn't what it was. When I was born, bro, like, I remember Saturday mornings because, you know, that's when we had before we could watch cartoons, that was also chore morning. Right?

  Jesse Thompson: Exactly. Oh, yeah.

  Mick Hunt: Man, it's the Ohio Players. Oh, heaven must be like this. Always going on. Lakeside, Fantastic Voyage, always going on. The Troutman I'm gonna call them the Troutman family. Right? Because, you know, they were deep and big in Dayton. That was where some of your influences and inspiration. So how did they shape your music style and your creativity?

  Jesse Thompson: You know, that's a good question. So growing up in Dayton, we would see those guys all the time. We would see the Roger Troutmans, the Steve Arringtons, the guys from Slave, of course, my brother being a member of the Slave group. We would see, you know, Suge and all those people, you know, in Triangle Park at festivals and at the store. Shirley Murdock. We ran into Shirley Murdock so many times in our old Metro Metro grocery store. It's just like it's like, hey. How you doing, Miss Murdock? How you doing, baby? Okay. You know, it's just one of those things. Right? And you just it was like every day for us, and we were very fortunate to be in that city, in that era, during that time. Man, it was like we were in our own version of Hollywood without but there was no conceitedness or anything that would downplay you as a human. Right? I mean, they treated all their fans and as family. It was all, hey. Everything is one on one. Everything was on the up and up, as they say. We would see Roger and those guys out, and even at their studio that they had there off of, Catawba, that area, it was all the same. It was amazing. You know, you would see those guys and girls, and then you would go to rehearsals. I would go to different rehearsals with my brother. Right before hitting the tour, it was just like family. You know? There were never any kinda issues, anything like that. So it was really great. And then to be around that type of vibe really influenced me because I was already into music and then being able to participate as a community listener. Like, Roger would have new songs he was gonna release. He would make an announcement. Hey. Join me on WDAO, Dayton Radio. You know, back then, I'm gonna be on the program at this time. I'm gonna play two songs. I want the community to vote and tell me which song I should release first as my single. So everybody's listening, you know, and everybody's calling in. So, you know, you get to be a part of something that's really great and makes you feel engaged and involved. So all that stuff played a major role in my life for sure.

  Mick Hunt: That's amazing. So playing numerous instruments by 12. Right? You also had joined an army and jazz group by, like, next level.

  Jesse Thompson: Yeah. That was up here in Columbus. Correct.

  Mick Hunt: What were some of the most memorable moments you had, and what lessons did you have by being a part of a group?

  Jesse Thompson: One important lesson and by me being a big group fan as well as an Earth, Wind, and Fire fan, you learn how to stay in your place. You learn how to not be in the way because you're a group. You're not a solo artist. It's like the spotlight is for everyone to share. So there's a time when you step out, there's a time when you step back. So I learned that. I also learned that it's pretty much a family mode. You know, you work together. And then, you know, being in a group like that, it also provided other opportunities, like, to open up for, like, Boyz II Men and, you know, Wayman Tisdale and Mindi Abair and Jeff Golub, all those people, you know, back in the day. And, when they see you as a group of guys or girls, but guys for us playing, it was, it was pretty amazing. And to be able to talk to them and to get some ideas and wisdom from them played a played a major role. I remember when I spoke to, I was talking to Bob James, an idol of mine, and we opened up for Fourplay. And just being able to talk to them and ask them questions as a group member to get their perspective was very enlightening. You know? It was really, really cool. So yeah. But, I mean, you know, playing with a group really helps. It's almost like being in an army. You know, everyone's on one accord. You know? Remember that movie Drumline? One band, one sound?

  Mick Hunt: One band, one sound.

  Jesse Thompson: That's the way it should be. And when you watch different groups like, you know, the Slaves and the Earth, Wind, and Fires and Ohio Players, etcetera, you see that vibe and you get that vibe. Everyone is just so tight knit, and it really helps the levels to be truly level, you know, across the board in that band.

  Mick Hunt: No. I love it. And here's what I like about what you just said because that same philosophy translates into team sports. It translates into the workforce, right? Like everyone has a role. Everyone has a lane. It works best when everyone understands and respects that. There's gonna be moments where it's your time to shine.

  Jesse Thompson: Right.

  Mick Hunt: But that doesn't mean that you're disappointed when it's not. Right? Like, your contribution helped someone else shine.

  Jesse Thompson: That's it. Exactly. And, you know, it's like painting a picture. You know, each part of that canvas holds its own weight for whatever you're painting. So it's like you're not leaving any area or real estate undone. It all shares that same concept in sending out a message on what you're painting, what you're trying to say, or what you are saying. So when you're in a group, it's the similar thing. It's like you said, you know, we all shine together. We're not being selfish. We're on one accord, you know, unity, you know, and that's where we become strong. And it also helps too because you never know when someone is going through something. And a lot of times, doing something together, like you just mentioned, at work or on a team, you know, someone's going through something. For them to know you that they have your back or that you're uplifting them means a whole lot and vice versa. It could be you or me that's having the issue and, you know, you're like, yo, JT, you good? I got you, bro. You know? You know? Hey. Thanks, Mick. I appreciate that. You know? And we go out and we do what we need to do, and we accomplish those things. So, yeah, I think it's very important, and it's just there's a strength in numbers, you know. It really, really says a lot. It really does.

  Mick Hunt: All day. So, you know, I've been telling you offline, huge fan. Right? And it was 2021, so it was, you know, mid-pandemic. I don't know when the pandemic really ended or started or whatever. My words, mid-pandemic, right?

  Jesse Thompson: Right.

  Mick Hunt: And I heard for the first time, "Weekend Groove." And when I tell you, bro, the first time I heard it, I just stepped back and was like, who is this? It's one of those where, you know, a song is great when you're listening to the instrumentals and you can put your own words into it.

  Jesse Thompson: Right? Like, no

  Mick Hunt: matter what you're feeling that day, like, I can play the song a hundred different times and go a hundred different words because you put me in that feel-good moment. Like, talk to me and talk to the audience through what it was like coming up with "Weekend Groove," and what did the pandemic do for you? Like, what did that change of pace do for you?

  Jesse Thompson: Yeah. Wow. First, man, I'm very humbled and honored. Thanks so much. To hear you say that really means a lot to me, so thank you. You know, during the pandemic, everything came to a halt. You know? And to be told that you can't go outside and go to the store or drive anywhere, and we're used to going where we wanna go was just it was kinda insane to me. And then I realized how much it was impacting my fellow musicians and fellow artists. Right? And so it was just like, man. So it was just placed in my heart to create something that was uplifting, that was inspiring, and that really, really motivated me. So at that moment, I was down here in the j-spot and started creating the tune, "Weekend Groove," and everything just started coming together just piece by piece. You know? It's just like, oh, man. Okay. I hear this, hear that, so I'm laying it down. And it was just a wonderful opportunity because I said, I definitely wanna put something out that will put a happy vibe in people's hearts, that will allow them to pat their feet, bob their head, and even take them away from the pandemic situation, even if it's just for a moment, to let them be able to appreciate life and to see and recognize, hey. Better days are ahead. You know, brighter days are ahead. So I was able to put that together, and then when I did it, I said, it'll be awesome if I had flute on this. And I thought about my sister out there, Renee, and I hit her up. And I said, hey. I got a tune I would love for you to be on. Do you mind taking a listen and check it out? Let me know what you think. So she said, yeah. Sure. You know? Send it over to me. And I sent it to her, and she responded back immediately, like, whoa. This is nice. I love it. This is hot. When do you need it by? And I told her, so, well, you know, just take your time. I know you're busy and everything, and it was a holiday weekend, I believe. And she said, okay. Well, give me probably until, you know, maybe two or three days, and I'll get something back to you. She returned her parts back later on that evening that night, and she smashed it. I mean, she murdered it. It was like, oh my god. This is phenomenal. So I got everything back. And at that moment, I contacted, Kelly O'Donohue, who's actually a very good trumpet horn player, overseas and in Poland. And I talked to her, and I played out the horn parts, sent her some notes. She went ahead, took it over, and she knocked it out the park, sent it back to me. And, I mean, it was almost done pretty much in the weekend with the way everything that that that happened. It was amazing. And so at that moment, I was like, okay. I think I'm good. I'm ready to go. And this song, it means a lot. It's my very first solo single, but it's also my very first song that I was able to create and generate from my heart to help inspire people. And that was really what I wanna do. I just wanted to, you know, just help give people some good positive energy and be a blessing to them. You know? It was just so much. It was very, very hard. You know? So that that really inspired me. The pandemic, actually, I'm thankful for because that's what motivated me to do solo artist stuff, you know, to become a solo artist. That's that's what helped to catapult me into the area. So after that moment, I've just been staying in that area, and it's been a fun, fun journey so far.

  Mick Hunt: And I love everything about it, man. Everything that you wanted to accomplish on that one, you did. I promise you being good. That's when I became a huge fan of yours, and it's been an incredible journey, like, just seeing that with you. Like so I thank you for that.

  Jesse Thompson: Thank you. Yeah. I appreciate it. Thanks so much. That means a lot.

  Mick Hunt: There you go. So you're continuing to evolve and continuing to do things. So your latest track, "Late Night," is creating a big buzz out there, brother.

  Jesse Thompson: That's true.

  Mick Hunt: So what inspired this song? And so for everybody that's listening or watching, I'm gonna have links to both of the songs that I referenced, and you're gonna be a huge JT fan as well too. So what inspired you for this song, and what's some of the behind-the-scenes details of producing and coming up with that?

  Jesse Thompson: So this song, "Late Night," is a song that is co-written by a great artist by the name of Adam Hawley. He's also a billboard artist and composer. Adam and I, I usually go on the road and play with him quite a bit, especially on the East Coast side. You know, I was like, man, Adam, we gotta do something together, man. One day, he's like, yeah, man. Let's, you know, let's figure it out. You know? But our schedules were so busy. So finally, we got to the point, you know, we were able to link up. I said, okay. Let's do it. He said, yeah. Let's do it. So Adam wrote the bass for the actual foundation for, "Late Night." Okay. So he said, check this out. I took it, and then I added my piece onto it. So we wrote it together. I did the lead piece and some aux keys, and we did changes and stuff like that together. And then at that moment, I thought I was gonna have Adam being featured on guitar. You know, like, yeah. This is gonna be cool. He says, no, man. I'm hearing some sax. And I said, really? Okay. I trust you. You know, like, I can hear a little bit of it too now. So then that's when we called our friend Judah Seeley. It was a phenomenal saxophonist, man, and another great human being. Judah got the song, laid it out, knocked it out. I got that song back at another one, like, within just the same day, basically. It was incredible.

  Mick Hunt: That's when you know you got something.

  Jesse Thompson: Man, I think that's so yeah. I think you're right, man. And then at that moment, I sent it over to Adam. I said, yo, Adam, check this out, man. He's like, oh, man. This is killing. He's like, okay. Let me go ahead and do some things. So he went ahead and mixed it, and he sent it back to me. We did some mixed comparisons and got that all together. And, you know, it was called "Late Night." You know, obviously, you know, we write a lot of songs late at night. So this is one tune we wanna just it's entitled "Late Night," and just how everything came together and the flow was just really good. And I wanted to create a melodic line that along with that groove that will allow people to it's like, hey. You know what? It's nighttime. We can go out, have a good time. We can go and have dinner. We go dancing. We can go kick it, whatever. You know? Forget about the work day. It's late night, and this is what we do. Right? And so that's the vibe we wanted. Something that was funky and groove, and at the same time, it was smooth. So that was the whole purpose and intent of "Late Night."

  Mick Hunt: Well, so, again, another one, mission accomplished. So I'm gonna let the world in on a little secret. So what I like to do when I'm listening to that song or not even listening to the song. Like, every other evening, my routine is this. I'll go sit out on my balcony on my porch. I have a little bourbon. And I'm listening to "Late Night," bro.

  Jesse Thompson: Come on now. What? God, I'm very serious.

  Mick Hunt: That's man, that's dope. I appreciate it.

  Jesse Thompson: Yes, sir.

  Mick Hunt: That's great. That's great, man. That's what we want. You know? Just music brings people together, and it says so many different things. I mean, it truly is a universal language.

  Jesse Thompson: Mhmm.

  Mick Hunt: And the fact that you don't have to be how can I say this? You don't have to have your hearing in order to appreciate the vibe of music. You could be deaf, you know, because when you think about it and I observed this years ago, I used to work with some people who were deaf. And when you think about it, they go by the vibrations and the frequency of what they're what they're feeling.

  Jesse Thompson: Mhmm.

  Mick Hunt: Right? So musically, as an artist or musician, we should be able to express our feelings musically. Right? But those things on the back end, if you look at it from a scientific perspective, those are all built up on frequencies, and you have a frequency response. So depending on what you're playing, how you're feeling, they also can feel that as well. They feel the frequencies. They go by the beats. They go by the frequencies. They go by those vibes, and those things help them to interpret what you're saying or what you're expressing. So music is yes. It's a universal language. I mean, but it's beyond universal language because, you know, we use it to do things such as, like you said, for sporting events, right, for movies, for parties, happy occasions, sad occasions. These are all kinds of things. Even back in the day preparing for war. You know, they had, you know, music set up, you know, for that. Commercial store. Music is everywhere. So to me, it's so important, and that's why I always make statements, like, in my social media hashtag, keep the music alive because, you know, music truly, truly helps people. And, you know, I always say, if you're watching a murder scene in a movie and you're playing circus music, you don't take what's happening that seriously. But if you take that murder scene and you apply that emotional vibe music that builds intensity, now you're looking at it totally different, like, oh my god. You know? So it really has a major role in interpretation.

  Mick Hunt: That's amazing, brother. So everything in your music career has been amazing, but I also know that it's never as easy as one likes it to be. Right? Like, there's things that we have to overcome. There's things that we learn about ourselves. And one of the things on the podcast, you talk about going deeper than your why and really being fueled by your because. So if I were to ask JT Jazz, like, what's your because? Like, what's that reason that keeps you doing what you do? What would that be?

  Jesse Thompson: One of the many reasons would be because I'm blessed with the gift, and I know what my calling is. I know that I'm supposed to do this. I know that I'm not supposed to let it sit on a shelf. I know that I'm not supposed to be selfish with it. I'm supposed to share what I have, what's inside me, to encourage and to motivate and to inspire and also to heal, you know, which is, another part of what I know I'm supposed to do with what I have, my gift. So that's what keeps me going. I don't ever wanna take it for granted, and it also helps me to remain humble because the moment you leave your humble presence is the moment when things go crazy the wrong way.

  Mick Hunt: Mhmm.

  Jesse Thompson: You know? And I never ever ever wanna do that because I know that, you know, I too am an instrument. So I wanna make sure that I'm in tune. You know? I wanna make sure that I'm doing what I need to do with this gift that I have. So, you know, being able to talk to, like, yourself, people like you, and I hear the response and I hear, you know, how my music has affected you or impacted you is man, that's it's man, brother, it's beyond amazing to me. I mean, I'm so appreciative and grateful because that's what I really wanna do. And, you know, the best is yet to come. You know? So those kinds of things really help me keep going and to know that there are some people who would love to have what I have, but, unfortunately, they don't or they're not able to do it for whatever reason. But, also, there are some people that says, hey. I may not have what you have, but I love to hear what you do. So please keep doing it. Please keep going. Those kinds of things really help me to keep just moving, pressing forward, and just keep going. So yeah.

  Mick Hunt: That's amazing. You are amazing. You are amazing, brother.

  Jesse Thompson: Thank you so much, bro.

  Mick Hunt: Talking about keep going, what are some of the future projects? What can we expect in the next round from mister JT Jazz himself?

  Jesse Thompson: Yeah. I'm actually working on some new music right now as we speak. I've been working on some new stuff. I'm also planning to get my Christmas EP done this year, so I wanna get that done. And I really want to have another single out here soon. I wanna say soon, hopefully, in another couple of months. And then I wanna get my project fully done. But, you know, being an independent artist, you know, it takes time and money, so I have to pace myself accordingly. But, yeah, expect more music from me. I have another single I'll be releasing. Expect the Christmas EP to be done. I just released my "Late Night" video on my YouTube channel. Yep. So that was amazing. It was a great accomplishment. You know, I have more to come. I still wanna do a video, and I talked to Althea about it. I still gotta do a video for "Weekend Groove" because it's my first single. So, you know, we're gonna make that happen somehow.

  Mick Hunt: The people want that.

  Jesse Thompson: Yeah. The people want it. So I'm gonna call and say, listen, Althea, I know you're busy, but the people are wanting the video for "Weekend Groove." So let's make it happen.

  Mick Hunt: Absolutely.

  Jesse Thompson: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

  Mick Hunt: We can announce it and launch it live here too. I'll do that for you.

  Jesse Thompson: Hey. That'd be great. Seriously. That's awesome. Yeah. I think it'll be a lot of fun too. So, yeah, that's what's in the works. Definitely in the works.

  Mick Hunt: Good stuff. So where can people follow you and find you? And I'm gonna put all these descriptions in the links as well.

  Jesse Thompson: Yeah. Absolutely. So they can go to my website, which is jtjazz.com. You can also follow me on Instagram, JTJazz is my handle. Facebook is JTJazz as well. And what else we have? Oh, Spotify, Jesse Thompson. Apple Music is Jesse Thompson. So and then I also have links on my web page that the fans and listeners can go to to follow those different things as well. But, yeah, I'm on all the different digital platforms. So if you have Amazon Music, YouTube Music, whatever, iTunes, Apple Music, Deezer, Napster, I'm out there. I'm out there, thankfully. So feel free to do that. And then, also, if you want an autographed CD, just go to my website, and we'll go ahead and get that to you. And then also right now, I'm also sending out a special gift when people buy my autographed CD of my latest single, "Late Night." So I got a little special gift I add with them as well. So feel free to go out there and do that, and I really, you know, appreciate everything. So yeah. Alright. That's how you can follow me.

  Mick Hunt: So I challenged JT earlier to learn sax. I'm challenging all of the Mick Unplugged followers and listeners. Go get the special gift. Go get the autographed CD for the special gift.

  Jesse Thompson: Yeah. Yeah. We have t-shirts, and we got some other stuff out there in the works. It's a lot of stuff out there. Just we you know, do whatever I can to not only get the brand out but to reach the people and, you know, hopefully, they enjoy it and have fun.

  Mick Hunt: There we go. We're gonna do that. JT, dude, I appreciate you spending some time with me today. Thank you for breaking down a lot of things for the listeners and just giving us insight into your mastery of who you are. So definitely thank you for taking some time.

  Jesse Thompson: Man, thank you, Mick, for having me on your show, man. I mean, it means a lot to me. This is a great show, and I'll love to come back. So if you wanna have me back, just let me know.

  Mick Hunt: Oh, then we're making that happen. Okay. There's no if. We're doing that.

  Jesse Thompson: Definitely. Definitely, man. I really appreciate this, and shout out to Tom Esty for doing his work. He's amazing PR guy. His agency is amazing. I just really appreciate him, and we got, Sabrina Taylor as well. So thank you. And, again, thank you as well, Mick, and your staff, your crew. You guys are amazing, and I look forward to coming back. So and thanks to all the fans out there. The best is yet to come. We got some stuff going on, and go check out my website where I'll be live. I'm actually will be a kickoff starting tomorrow with Adam Hawley and Julian Vaughn in Cincinnati, Ohio at the Ludlow Garage. So we're gonna be there, and we're going to Pittsburgh, and I'll be in Louisville as well with, with Lynn Rountree. So, yeah, just check me out, and I look forward to seeing you there.

  Mick Hunt: There it is. And for all the listeners, remember, your because is your superpower. Go unleash it.

  Intro: Thanks for listening to Mick Unplugged. We hope this episode helps you take the next step toward the extraordinary and launches a revolution in your life. Don't forget to rate and review the podcast and be sure to check us out on YouTube at Mick Unplugged. Remember, stay empowered, stay inspired, and stay unplugged.