Just finished listening to Kenneth Thompkins‘ new album, “Sonatas, Songs and Spirituals.” WOW! What gorgeous music making by all involved!! I found particularly fascinating the 2 new works on the recording: Alto Trombone Sonata by Philip Wharton (which I co-commissioned with Ken and several others) and Ocean of Air by Stephen Andrew Taylor

James Nova, Second Trombone Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

There is one word that comes to mind upon listening, and that word is “Inspirational.”  Not only are the technical aspects of your playing inspirational, but the message you convey on every composition is inspirational as well.  In other words your playing is impeccable in every technical sense (pitch, tuning, tonguing, range, rhythm, flexibility–), but beyond this you deliver a musical and personal message in a beautiful manner.   And this inspirational message is delivered, of course, in the Spirituals and Songs but also in the standard classical pieces such as the Carlos Salzedo “Piece Concertainte” and in the Alex Wilder “Sonata.”  

Dr. Irv Wagner
University of Oklahoma
Past-President of the International Trombone Association

Kenneth Thompkins’s new recording has it all–a varied and imaginative program with great musicianship (including spectacular alto trombone playing), wonderful collaborators and excellent recorded sound. Kenneth Thompkins is one of the most satisfying trombonists of our time.

Ralph Sauer
Los Angeles Philharmonic Principal Trombone (retired)

Ken Thompkins’recent contribution to the library of trombone solo recordings is an intimate musical portrait of the principal trombone of the Detroit Symphony, the orchestra in residence of one America ‘s most important, yet recently, most troubled cities. From the cover pictures to the choices of repertoire, the album is seemingly a homage to tradition combined with a warm and beautiful prayer for the coming fresh and revitalized. 

Denson Paul Pollard
Metropolitan Opera Bass Trombone, Indiana University Professor of Music