Father and son set for guitar concert

rvillanueva@thenewsenterprise.com
A multi-faceted musician and his son will be in the spotlight Saturday at Hardin County Schools Performing Arts Center when the Acoustic Guitar Masters Concert Series 11 presents Tim Thompson.
Joining Thompson on stage will be his son, Myles, who plays fiddle and mandolin.
Thompson, a guitarist, singer and songwriter, will perform at 7:30 p.m. with his son. Tickets for the event are $15.
“It’s very exciting and very fulfilling,” Thompson said about playing onstage with his son.
In fact, he said, he tells people he’s having more fun playing music now than he ever has.
“He plays like a seasoned player,” Thompson said of Myles.
In addition to playing guitar, songwriting and singing, Thompson is an independent producer and session player. He was named 2008 International Fingerstyle Champion.
Originally from Minnesota and now making his home near Nashville, Thompson has a background in rock and jazz. His work includes eight CDs, and his performances bring together his rock and jazz influences as well as Celt and folk, all blended together and presented with his own touches.
“What we’re doing now is really an eclectic mix,” he said.
A “little more than half” of material performed is original, Thompson said. Performances also generally include unplanned material, Thompson said.
“All of our solos are improvised,” he said. “It really is the true jazz approach.”
Thompson’s son, Myles, was 5 when he was introduced to mandolin and fiddle. Myles has been a serious violinist since he was 12.
During concerts, Thompson likes to interact with the audience. That gives the performance more of a sense of intimacy, he said.
“I think it helps put the audience at ease, too,” he said. “When I’m up on stage, every show I do, I feel like this is what I’m wired to do.” The audiences seem to be beneficial to the musicians as well.
“He (Myles) tells me he plays better in front of a crowd than he does practicing at home,” Thompson said. “I think we both do.”
Robert Villanueva can be reached at (270) 505-1743.

submitted

Tim (foreground) and Myles Thompson.

IF YOU GO: Guitarist, singer and songwriter Tim Thompson and his son, Myles, will perform 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Hardin County Schools Performing Arts Center as part of the Acoustic Guitar Masters Concert Series 11. For more information or to buy tickets, visit. www.acousticguitarmasters.com or call (270) 325-3958.