Self-taught multi-instrumentalist and composer Don Thompson excels in any musical instrument he plays, a rare feat for any jazzman. Born in British Columbia, the virtuosic young man began his professional career focusing mainly on bass, joining the John Handy Quintet in 1965, in time to record the influential album John Handy Live at Monterey Jazz Festival. By the mid-1970s, Thompson's focus turned to collaborations with a host of players ranging from Sonny Greenwich, Moe Kauffman to US guitarist Jim Hall. Throughout the 1980s, Thompson released various award-winning albums a sideman or leader, including Beautiful Friendship (1984) with his quartet. His latest releases include 2008's For Kenny Wheeler, in keeping with Thompson's tradition of paying tribute to other jazz musicians.