About Rodney Thompson Born in the small town of Eufaula, Alabama, Rodney had very little exposure to jazz. His interest in the piano began at age 10 while visiting his uncle in Miami. It was then that he taught himself how to read music. At age 12 he began playing the tuba for his middle school marching and concert band. Saxophonist Greg Faulkner was Rodney's band director and it was at this time that he introduced Rodney to jazz. By the end of high school he began listening and learning music by Spyro Gyro, John Coltrane and Bob James. While receiving a music education degree at Alabama A&M University, Rodney was exposed to a number of great jazz artists and performed with artists such as Ruben Studdard, Kelvin Wooten, Ken Watters, Milachi Thompson and many others. After graduation Rodney headed to Texas to teach band. Eventually ending up in Dallas, Rodney continued to perform, learn and open up with big name artists such as Miles Jaye, Roger Boykin, Marchel Ivery, Stefon Harris, Bobby Rush and others. This year Rodney will release his second Smooth Jazz Album entitled "Define Smooth". The album features drummer extraordinaire Lumark Gulley, and 3rd place winner of the Thelonius Monk completion Texas Tenor saxophone Qwamon Folwer. Rodney although considered a Jazz pianist has performed with a variety of different genres including R&B, gospel, country, blues and Latin. Define Smooth is rated by listener as a very relaxing and smooth CD. Through deep study in theory Rodney has composed music in a very diverse manner.