Discography
The Book of Isaiah: Modern Jazz Ministry
A devoted student of jazz history, Thompson wrote the album under the sway of jazz icons who crafted paeans to the Creator without explicitly chasing a “gospel-jazz” fusion. The spiritual works of Duke Ellington, Mary Lou Williams and Wynton Marsalis became major touchstones, as well as the recordings of John Coltrane and Charles Mingus. Throughout these eight tracks, Thompson probes his devotional life without fear, underscoring simple but too-often overlooked truths about our relationship with God.
A Guaraldi Holiday
Acclaimed pianist and composer Isaiah J. Thompson celebrates this holiday season with "A Guaraldi Holiday", his tribute to the music of Vince Guaraldi whose work served as both an introduction to jazz, and as a childhood soundtrack for generations of music lovers, Thompson included. Filled with adventurous and spirited full band performances, the album is led by Thompson’s crisp piano and warmed by a contemporary creative fire – yet harkens back to the iconic Charlie Brown holiday TV specials of mid-century America.
The Power of the Spirit
Captured in front of a rapturous audience at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy’s Club, The Power of the Spirit finds Thompson’s seasoned quartet delivering a locked-in performance of their repertoire. On full display are the pianist's stunning dexterity and soulful original material; combining crisp technicality with a gospel-inflected sound, Thompson nods to forebears like Bobby Timmons, Phineas Newborn Jr., and Cedar Walton while blazing a trail all his own.
ISAIAH J. THOMPSON PLAYS THE MUSIC OF BUDDY MONTGOMERY
Critically acclaimed pianist Isaiah J. Thompson puts his best foot forward on his debut album as a leader celebrating the music of the late, great Buddy Montgomery. Isaiah J. Thompson Plays The Music Of Buddy Montgomery features WJ3 Records label chief Willie Jones III on drums, young talent Philip Norris on bass, and internationally-renowned percussionist Daniel Sadownick.
Motherless Brooklyn ORiginal Motion Picture Soundtrack
The Golden Globe nominated soundtrack album features two versions of the song “Daily Battles” by Thom Yorke. The second version of “Daily Battles” was performed by Wynton Marsalis along with his hand-picked quintet including; Joe Farnsworth, Russell Hall, Isaiah J. Thompson, Willie Jones III, Philip Norris, Ted Nash & Jerry Weldon.
Composed in Color
On Composed In Color we hear a musician whose ideas and style are drawn from the life experiences of the inner man, a style whose spirit, sparkle and spontaneity strives for its own identity in the crowded marketplace of jazz releases. As an improviser, his soloing is mature and well constructed, and possesses consistency and continuity unusual in a young player. In just one stride, from his debut as a leader to his debut on Red Records, he has made the jazz world sit up and take notice.
Handful of Keys
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and special guests take you through 100 years of jazz piano on their new album, Handful of Keys. Star pianists Joey Alexander, Dick Hyman, Myra Melford, Helen Sung, Isaiah J. Thompson, and the JLCO’s own Dan Nimmer grab hold of all 88 keys and reveal the full extent of the piano’s evolution over the 20th century.
The Isaiah J. Thompson Trio Live From @Exuberance
This was Isaiah’s first recording (EP) as a leader. It was released in May of 2018. It features Philip Norris on bass and Cameron MacIntosh on the drums.