I am Jesse Thompson, a multi-talented composer, pianist, and keyboardist born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, known as the land of funk. My music is heavily influenced by Dayton’s legendary R&B pioneers like Slave, Ohio Players, Lakeside, and Zapp featuring Roger Troutman. Over the past 20 years, I have channeled these influences into my artistry as a former member of the Columbus-based R&B/jazz band NexLevel, sharing stages with some of the biggest names in smooth jazz and R&B. When the pandemic provided some downtime, I created my debut solo album "The Inauguration of Jtjazz," which features a variety of styles reflecting my broad musical passions. My goal was to spread happiness with uplifting tracks like the lead single "Weekend Groove," and to showcase dynamic collaborations with incredible artists. Continuing my work with NexLevel and other prominent jazz musicians, this album marks a fresh and exciting chapter in my musical journey.…

Jesse Thompson

I am Jesse Thompson, a multi-talented composer, pianist, and keyboardist born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, known as the land of funk. My music is heavily influenced by Dayton’s legendary R&B pioneers like Slave, Ohio Players, Lakeside, and Zapp featuring Roger Troutman. Over the past 20 years, I have channeled these influences into my artistry as a former member of the Columbus-based R&B/jazz band NexLevel, sharing stages with some of the biggest names in smooth jazz and R&B. When the pandemic provided some downtime, I created my debut solo album "The Inauguration of Jtjazz," which features a variety of styles reflecting my broad musical passions. My goal was to spread happiness with uplifting tracks like the lead single "Weekend Groove," and to showcase dynamic collaborations with incredible artists. Continuing my work with NexLevel and other prominent jazz musicians, this album marks a fresh and exciting chapter in my musical journey.…

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I am Jesse Thompson, a multi-talented composer, pianist, and keyboardist born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, known as the land of funk. My music is heavily influenced by Dayton’s legendary R&B pioneers like Slave, Ohio Players, Lakeside, and Zapp featuring Roger Troutman. Over the past 20 years, I have channeled these influences into my artistry as a former member of the Columbus-based R&B/jazz band NexLevel, sharing stages with some of the biggest names in smooth jazz and R&B.

When the pandemic provided some downtime, I created my debut solo album “The Inauguration of Jtjazz,” which features a variety of styles reflecting my broad musical passions. My goal was to spread happiness with uplifting tracks like the lead single “Weekend Groove,” and to showcase dynamic collaborations with incredible artists. Continuing my work with NexLevel and other prominent jazz musicians, this album marks a fresh and exciting chapter in my musical journey.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

Work Experience

Solo Artist and Music Producer at Self-Produced
January 1, 2020 - Present
Created and released debut solo album "The Inauguration of Jtjazz" during the Covid-19 pandemic, earning airplay on Music Choice and multiple radio stations. The album features diverse stylistic influences and collaborations with top jazz artists such as Althea Rene, Kelly O’Donohue, Lin Rountree, Rishon Odel, Carl Cox, and Silver Angelina. Notably, the lead single "Weekend Groove" was designed to uplift listeners during the pandemic.

Education

Music Production at LA Film School
August 1, 2024 - October 29, 2024
Bachelor of Science at Devry Institute
October 30, 2024 - June 12, 1997

Qualifications

Palo Alto Networks
October 30, 2018 - October 30, 2024
Firewall & Network Certification
Private Piano Music Instructor
October 30, 2024 - October 3, 2034
Provide piano lessons to beginners

Industry Experience

Computers & Electronics, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Other
    paper "the reason FOR THE SEASON"

    *Internationally acclaimed smooth jazz artist Jesse Thompson, also known as JT Jazz, has released a delightful Christmas EP titled “The Reason,” designed to inspire gratitude and connection during the holiday season.

    This heartfelt project invites listeners to reflect on the true significance of Christmas through music that resonates deeply with the spirit of the season.

    “The Reason” features a collection of soul-stirring tracks, including a beautifully reimagined rendition of the Motown classic “Give Love on Christmas Day.”

    Each piece aims to evoke feelings of warmth and joy, making it a perfect addition to any holiday gathering. Notable interpretations of cherished standards like “Silent Night” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” showcase JT’s unique style and musical prowess, as he blends elements of smooth jazz, contemporary jazz, and R&B to create something truly special.

    Originating from Dayton, Ohio, JT Jazz was immersed in music from a young age, coming from a musical family.

    His father was a professional jazz drummer, and his mother played the organ at church, providing JT with a rich musical foundation. By age twelve, he was proficient in thirteen instruments, including the piano, and his diverse background greatly influences his compositions today.

    He has performed at renowned venues like the Blue Note Jazz Club in Hawaii and collaborated with prominent artists in smooth jazz. “The Reason” encourages listeners to embark on a musical journey that embodies the holiday spirit, reminding us all to embrace love and joy this season.

    Now available, Jesse ‘JT Jazz’ Thompson‘s “The Reason” is a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their holiday experience with soulful music.

    Visit his official website at jtjazz.com.
    News Articles Ref:
    https://www.twine.net/signin
    https://www.twine.net/signin
    https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper Let It Snow (International Project)

    Let It Snow is a project I co-produced for international pop and R&B artist Magdalena Tull. This project was released in Oct 2024 and is doing well and charted in Poland, USA, and other countries. I served as the band leader and arranger of the project.

    paper Cape Town Coast - Release Project

    “Cape Town Coast” is a song that provides energy and passion as a gateway to an uplifting experience and movement. Its syncopated rhythms and uplifting movement will surely get you in a dance mood that exemplifies island coast energy with an African groove vibe. This song is surely going to make you feel good.

    LINER NOTES:
    Produced and Mixed: Adam Hawley
    Mastered: Steve Hall
    Written: Jesse Thompson, Adam Hawley and Judah Sealy
    Associate Producer: Judah Sealy
    Keys/Piano, Synths: Jesse Thompson
    Saxes: Donald Hayes
    Guitars, Keys, Programming, Key Bass: Adam Hawley
    Keys, Key-bass, Programming: Judah Sealy
    Drums: Eric Valentine

    paper Late Nite

    Jesse “JTJazz” Thompson, multi-talented composer, pianist, and keyboardist, born in “The Land of Funk” (Dayton, Ohio) attributes his humble beginnings in music to being captivated by a family of musicians: a father who was a professional jazz drummer, Thompson’s mother – a church organist/pianist and his brother Marvyn Wheatley (who recorded and played with Parliament and Slave). Industry influences were soul/funk legends the Ohio Players, Lakeside, and Zapp featuring Roger Troutman.
    Driven to continue the legacy of great musicianship, Thompson became a member of the popular Columbus-based, R&B/Jazz group NexLevel for several years. The collectives released two albums, a string of singles, and shared stages with countless notable artists.
    In 2021, the impact of the global pandemic deeply inspired Thompson to write and release the up-tempo, feel-good melody “Weekend Groove,” feat. Althea Rene which catapulted the musician into solo-artist status. The well-received track has garnered close to 200K Spotify streams to date.
    Thompson would go on to release a 7-song Project in 2022, intriguingly titled, “The Inauguration of JTJazz (Jesse Thompson - the man behind the keys),” marking the commencement of a new pathway and birthing several singles from the project.
    With 2024 being a ‘leap year’ which some say is the year of inspiration, Thompson has resolutely followed his passion by keeping his legacy in music alive by teaming with heavyweight Producer/Guitarist Adam Hawley and collaborating with highly sought after saxophonist Judah Sealy to create an alluring mid-tempo track entitled “Late Nite” which dropped on 04/01/2024.