MEDUCTIC, Canada (November 3, 2006) – Chester Thompson, who made his mark drumming with such legends as Frank Zappa and Weather Report before his long time association with Genesis and Phil Collins, recently visited the SABIAN Vault in eastern Canada to meet with master product specialist, Mark Love. Thompson and Love collaborated to prepare a set of cymbals that includes a variation of Thompson’s Signature Liquid Ride, hi-hats, crashes and Chinese models for one of Thompson's upcoming projects. The cymbals were so well received by the Nashville-based drummer that he insisted on taking them home with his luggage instead of having them couriered, according to Wayne Blanchard, SABIAN’s marketing manager.
"I can't wait to try these with my drums," said Thompson. "Mark did a sensational job of understanding what I wanted and then coming up with these designs. The man is incredible. And so are these cymbals. I've visited SABIAN several times; it's an honor to be in this great place and spend time with a group of very talented people who also happen to make amazing cymbals."
Said Love: "Chester's roots are in jazz, so he has a keen sense of cymbal sounds and is well aware of the nuances of tone and color. But because he is also a great rock player, he likes to mix in a degree of power into his cymbals, so a solid bell is never out of the equation when it comes to ride cymbals. His Signature Liquid Ride is a good example of just how musical yet effective a cymbal can be."
Thompson, who maintains a busy schedule of teaching, recording, and touring, is also a member of the SABIAN Clinic Program.
For more information or to set up an interview with a SABIAN representative, please contact Formula at (310) 578-7050.
SABIAN is globally renowned as the world's leading designer and maker of musical cymbals. With endorsers including major drummers Phil Collins, Neil Peart (Rush) and Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Keith Harris (Black Eyed Peas), Bob Bryar (My Chemical Romance) as well as renowned percussionists within the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Los Angeles Symphony, Royal Opera House – Covent Garden and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, this award-winning company offers cymbals and sounds for every musical application, playing level, and price point. By combining centuries-old traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, SABIAN ensures quality and value in every cymbal, while unique offerings including ready-to-play ‘Sonically Matched’ cymbal sets highlight an unmatched dedication to ensuring every player sounds great. Headquartered in Meductic, New Brunswick, Canada, and with offices in the US, the UK, Europe and the Far East, SABIAN is also the world's largest cymbal maker. For further information about SABIAN or its products, please visit the company online at www.SABIAN.com.