Thomson Kneeland
Acoustic bassist and composer Thomson Kneeland has established himself as a formidable sideman and leader since moving to New York City in 2003.
Finding himself equally quite at home in traditional swing and modern jazz settings, Kneeland has established himself as an in-demand bassist with a rock solid swing feel and a unique virtuosic and rhythmic voice; but while delving deep into the jazz history, Kneeland also brings a variety of musical interests to the table from classical counterpoint and 20th century chamber music to Indian Karnatic music, Balkan folk music, fusion and more.
Kneeland has released 5 albums as a leader, including Mazurka for a Modern Man and The Voice of Silence (2010), featuring a quintet of his peers making their mark on the NYC scene. Recent international tours find Kneeland working with Rudresh Mahanthappa, Jed Levy, Bobby Avey, Matana Roberts and others.
Besides composing for various jazz and improvisational idioms, Kneeland has delved into two electronica projects (Grid-X and the movie soundtrack for Magdalena's Brain) and composes chamber music. He was commissioned to write pieces for the Longy School of Music Jazz Ensemble, has arranged for the Sherman Chamber Ensemble on a yearly basis, and has composed two string quartets and other chamber works.
As a leader, sideman, and composer, Kneeland has appeared on over 40 recordings to date and performed with Rudresh Mahanthappa, Alex Sipiagin, Jerry Bergonzi, Kenny Werner, George Garzone, Bobby Avey, Ted Rosenthal, Dave Liebman, Matana Roberts, Darcy James Argue's Secret Society, Joe Maneri, Peter Leitch, Peter Mazza, Paul Bollenback and many others.
He has performed internationally at such venues as The Newport Jazz Festival, The Kennedy Center, Medellin
University in Colombia, the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Perth Jazz Festival, the Vancouver Jazz Festival, and more.