About Improvising Violinist Billy Thompson
Billy Thompson is a classically trained improvising violinist performing in numerous different styles of music.
These styles vary from his highly popular band Billy Thompson Gypsy Style to performing with internationally acclaimed jazz artists such as saxophonist/composer Barbara Thompson MBE and pianist/composer Mike Westbrook OBE. Billy performs on five albums and a DVD with Barbara Thompson’s Paraphernalia and is an integral part of ‘Glad Day’ by Mike Westbrook (more commonly known as ‘The Westbrook Blake’ featuring on the live DVD.
During Billy’s time living in Wales, Billy has performed and recorded with many of Wales’ finest musicians and singer/songwriters including Meic Stevens (for ten years), Gai Toms (Mim Twm Llai), Heather Jones, Sian James, Delwyn Sion, Dafydd Iwan, Ed Holden (Mr Phormula), Alun Tan Lan and Gwilym Bowen Rhys as well as appearing on the Docfeistr album. During his time in South Wales, Billy was an integral part of The Amigos performing all around Wales and featuring on 3 studio albums.
Meeting singer/songwriter Rhian Williams (now Thompson) led to the creation of the Welsh band Amledd and the release of the album Cyfnod Cyntaf.
Billy can also be heard performing with the outstanding Gypsy Jazz guitarist Paul Gregory in the Dynamo Quartet and with Modjango.
Now residing in Bala, North Wales with his family since 2005, Billy also runs a recording studio offering recording services, location recording and an online session musician service. For further details visit Thompsound Music.
Billy is also proud to be a musician with the inspirational charity Live Music Now bringing the power of music to people of all demographics.
Billy still enjoys playing classically performing on occasion with the North Wales based Snowdonia String Quartet.
For the full range of CDs and DVDs available please visit the Thompsound Music Shop.
Phone for a chat about all services offered +44(0)7720707744. Email billy@billythompson.co.uk
There is also a contact form at the bottom of this page.
Click this link for the Youtube Channel (please subscribe should you feel inclined).
A couple of Tik Toks for you:
@thompsound Big thanks to my son Sam for capturing this moment 🙂 #czardas #foryou #gypsy #violin
@thompsound Faenol 2006 #violin #radiomic #meicstevens #ybrawdhoudini #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #viral
Latest recording appearance: Tracks 1 and 9 of the new album by Dave Elwyn – Lifesavers
Recording Studio/Session Music Service – Click Here
Here’s a ‘Kwik Kuts’ compilation of various recordings featuring Billy playing the violin in various styles from Gypsy Jazz to Jazz Rock, Rock, Singer-songwriter accompaniment, Dance Music, String section work and more:
*For a full list of tracks on this compilation track click here.
Some of the latest TV/YouTube appearances below… Go to Video Footage for a larger selection.
- Ellis Humphrey Evans – performed with Gai Toms a’r band.
- Gypsymania – performed on the Welsh variety show Noson Lawen.
- ‘Breathless’ by Barbara Thompson’s Paraphernalia & NYJO performed at Ronnie Scott’s last year:
- Billy’s doorstep performances all in one place:
On Feb 2nd 2019 Billy played at the tribute concert for Jon Hiseman at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire Theatre:
It was epic! Click this link for the full 4 hour show. Billy’s performance with Barbara Thompson’s Paraphernalia and the National Jazz Youth Orchestra starts at 1:53:50 into the show.
Billy has just finished providing strings for Delwyn Sion‘s new album.
The latest CD release is an exciting new electronic/rock project with Warren Greveson called:
Album (or individual tracks) available from:
iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and other digital sites.
Enjoy the new site and please contact about anything at all in the comments section below… To hear direct from Billy (occasionally) add your email address here:
Billy’s debut album from 1997 recorded with guitarist Andy Maule and Dafydd Lewis on double bass is now available…
Album (or individual tracks) available from:
iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and other digital sites.
You can write a comment or send any inquiries here:
