Bobby Thompson and Friends at Jammin’ Java, 12/26/21

To show just how ubiquitous Bobby Thompson is with regard to his performances, I've seen him play 6 or 7 times since I first saw him perform (at the Lake Anne Jazz & Blues Fest in 2018), and this Boxing Day performance at Jammin’ Java was the first time I'd ever paid for a ticket. Every other time, Bobby (either solo or with a band) has played at one of Northern Virginia’s finer establishments that sell adult beverages. 

But on this night, the ticket price was well worth the cost. Thompson was joined on stage by former Revelator Hill bandmate, bassist Seth Morrissey; his former colleagues with Blueheart Revival, guitarist extraordinaire Colin Thompson (no relation) and drummer Gary Crockett, and legendary local sax man Ron Holloway, for a rollicking tribute to The Allman Brothers Band and Derek and the Dominos. 

It was apparent, the joy present in this band on this night, as many of the tunes they played, either of the tribute variety or one of Bobby T’s originals, morphed into impromptu jam sessions, with some clocking in at over 10 minutes in length. And there was no objection from the audience (of less than 100), who were enthusiastically dancing, jivin’, or plain enjoying the music. Colin Thompson’s slide guitar work was breathtaking, and proved why he was ranked as one of the top roots guitarists by Alternate Root Magazine. Ron Holloway mesmerized the crowd with his sax work, showing the chops that have twice earned him musician of the year status from the Washington Area Music Awards.

I will admit to not being knowledgeable of Allman Brothers and Derek and the Dominos songs by name, other than the hits, but I could definitely tell when this group broke into an Allmans tune, and they were, in a word, fantastic. The version of the Dominos “Why Does Love Got To Be So Bad” was turned into an 8-minute jam fest, which had the crowd buzzing afterwards.

If you ever get the opportunity to see Bobby Thompson perform, just go. Whether as part of a full band, or solo acoustic (with his collection of lap guitars), it is well worth the investment in time, because it likely won’t cost you anything (except a hearty donation to his tip jar).

Bobby Thompson & Friends, 4.5/5 stars

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