Vance Thompson: Lost and Found

MOONDO RECORDS (RELEASED JANUARY 16, 2026)

The most interesting aspect of Vance Thompson’s newest release is the story behind the session. Thompson, a Grammy-nominated trumpeter and director of the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, lost his ability to play the trumpet several years ago. Since that time, he found his new musical outlet in the vibraphone. Hence the title for his freshman recording as a vibraphonist —Lost and Found. His composing (six of the nine tunes are Thompson originals) is ideally suited for the group of pianist Taber Gable, guitarist Steve Kovalcheck, bassist Tommy Sauter and drummer Marcus Finnie. Thompson’s sense of swing, which he demonstrated on trumpet, is evident in his fluid single note approach on the vibes. His enthusiasm for showing off his prowess on his newfound instrument results in a mixed bag of styes. There is the blowing session groove of “Tell It Like It Is,” the gentle bossa flow of “The Thread of All Sorrows,” the modern angularity of “Mixed Feelings” and the straight ahead feel of the title track. Gable’s electric piano and the Finnie’s drumming add a classic funk feel to Chick Corea’s “Bud Powell” and “The Ladies at Rose Cottage.” The mood gets even funkier with Sauter’s electric bass setting the beat for “My Three Suns.” Thompson closes out the session with a heartfelt reading of Harold Arlen’s “Over the Rainbow.” Thompson and his bandmates are more than capable at navigating the diversity of the program, but it leaves me wanting more of the spirited swing and less of the frivolous funk. Thompson may have found his new voice with the vibraphone, now he needs to focus on finding a distinct and consistent style that is all his own.

BOTTOM LINE: Lost and Found is Vance Thompson’s first leader album in more than 10 years and his first session on vibes since being forced to set aside the trumpet. Inspired by Milt Jackson, Stefon Harris and Gary Burton, Thompson and his bandmates deliver a pleasant recording of varied moods. Sadly, the only real surprise (and according to Whitney Balleitt, surprise is the key element in jazz), is Thompson’s inspired transition from trumpet to vibes.