By 2005, it was a common complaint among smooth jazz insiders and fans that the format was too bland and controlled, and there was, perhaps, too much of an emphasis on smooth jazz radio stations for playing format "legends" rather than giving indie talent a break. Veteran guitar sideman J. Thompson is one of the few independent musicians to breakthrough with his 2003 release Romantic Night being voted the number one most-played indie CD of 2003 by smoothjazz.com and his song "Tell Me the Truth" hitting the Top Ten on the airplay charts. That success should continue with Inside World, an amiable collection which opens with the crisp and catchy electric guitar-driven gem "Marché Marché," and chills the night with the obvious first single, the thoughtful and romantic "Tale of Tiernan." That dual vibe of energetic light funk and graceful ballads permeates the disc, whose standout tracks include the bright, rockin' blues-tinged "So Sexy" and the bubbly retro-soul tune "Gimme Sum." For more adventurous listeners, a few cuts take Thompson out of the radio-ready zone, particularly the more trad jazz-minded, drum brush and synth-harmonica driven shuffle (which sounds kind of like a cute TV theme), and the anthemic rock ballad closer "One Day," which calls to mind some of Neal Schon's more brilliant solo work in the later '90s.


From smoothjazz.com - May 15, 2006

At last... The long anticipated follow up to J Thompson's 2003 Smooth Jazz hit debut CD, ROMANTIC NIGHT. The San Francisco Bay Area guitarist has been busy creating this new soulful project over the past few years by turning inward first... According to the artist on his website, "These days we all need some time to escape into our own place to take a breather from the stress of every day life. Music can really cure and energize the soul." From there, J moved outward and gathered together some fine players including keyboardist Peter Horvath, drummer, Oscar Seaton, percussionist Louis Conte and special performances by Norton Buffalo. INSIDE WORLD is an organic romp into Smooth Jazz with a retro spin and a dash of blues and funk. Fans of the SJ genre will love the radio friendly "Marché Marché" (the project's first single), the crisp and relaxed, "Tale of Tiernan," and the romantic, "Dreamer." All the while Thompson is sure to lure you into the album's other cool tunes, like the strolling blues of "Cincy In The City," featuring the harmonica of Norton Buffalo, the CD's inviting vocal (which happens to be the title track) featuring J singing with smoky intimacy, and the funky "Gimme Sum." There's more than one track featuring Buffalo's harp, and the combo of that sound with Thompson's guitar is synergistic... This is a smoothly diverse, enjoyable, Smooth Jazz meets Americana effort from one of the most innovative players we know. ~SANDY SHORE


From smoothjazz.de, Germany - May 15, 2006

Marché Marché is one of these tunes which are motivating for further activities. The tune has a hooking melody arranged in a accessible instrumental environment. The melody line is simple and is often repeated resulting a certain headbopping effect. J. Thompson uses the same structure of melody on the following track Tale Of Tiernan. He throws in some notes to allure the audience. This guitarist is a musician with a great talent for song writing. You recognize it by Smile For Me. A further guitar tune with a remarkable melody. Dreamer is what the title says. A smooth romantic piece for dreaming on. Peter Horvath adds a sparkling piano line. Gavin says about him: "Peter's brand of piano soul is light, accessible and glistening with chrome-plated funk chord changes." Peter's music is also to find on many albums of the Braxton Brothers. Ciny In The City is featuring Norton Buffalo on harmonica. He is regarded as one of the most versatile and talented harmonica players in the music business. Most will know him as a highly celebrated member of the Steve Miller Band. The tune has a jazzy appeal. J. Thompson is also an excellent singer. Inside World is a fantastic song in the tradition of singers like Stevie Winwood, Climie & Fisher or Steve Miller. Did I say he is a great song writer? So Sexy is the opportunity to mention that J. Thompson doesn't make the mistake to use drum programming. Instead he is supported by two of the most prominent rhythm experts: Oscar Seaton on drums and Luis Conte on percussion. So Sexy has the flair of a good oldie of the seventies. Gimmie Sum is a funky tune with a melodic bridge. Pick Up The Pieces comes into mind. Shake your bootie. Brilliant guitar play. The Shake is Norton Buffalo 's second appearance. J. Thompson lets his distortion guitar cry. Mercy! On Everything To Me Norton Buffalo reveals more of his world class. One Day is the final tune and J. Thompson's promise to return soon with new music of finest quality. Inside World is an album of a matured musician with great experience as performer, arranger and song writer. A gem for all fans of good guitar music.