A whole life in his CD

Author: Lucy Purdy: Special
Date: May 16, 2007
http://www.simcoe.com/article/37942

Peter Thompson, a Barrie lawyer and singer-songwriter, has spent the last 25 years building up enough material for his debut CD, Taking a Dive (Heart First), a compilation of songs reflective on the various stages of his life.

Released in April, the 14-track album begins with Thompson’s favourite Tom Paxton tune, My Ramblin’ Boy, which he fondly recalls first hearing in 1974.

It concludes with Don’t Think Twice, by Bob Dylan. He chose it as symbolic of his belief that life goes on. Another song, Yesterday’s Children, holds special meaning for Thompson, as he wrote it in 1980, about his father who was longing for the carefree days of his childhood.

Coming full circle is something Thompson has contemplated for some time. However, even though he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease five years ago, he strives not to miss a beat. Some days, his condition presents more challenges than others.

“When I feel good, I can climb mountains,” Thompson noted, adding that it often depends on levels of daily stress, and it is difficult to anticipate which days will be best.

Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, often impairs the individual’s motor skills and speech.

For Thompson, one thing appears constant – the smooth quality and tone of his natural singing voice. One can’t help but hear the striking timbre and edge reminiscent of folk icon Valdy.

“I also get people saying I sound like Burl Ives,” he said, admitting that in his youth, he at one time tried to sound like Gordon Lightfoot..

While Thompson is not performing live these days, he continues to sing and play guitar, having recently invested in a new sound system.

As a nature lover, avid fisherman, and sports enthusiast as well, it is music that sustained him during his years in university. He paid his way through school by performing at local nightclubs and various venues in Ontario and Europe.

As he lends his voice to the unpredictable illness that has gripped him, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Thompson’s CD will be donated to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada.

Active on the board of Barrie branch of the society, Thompson is pleased that he can do more towards helping fight the disease through the sale of his CD.

Recorded in part at what was once the popular Barrie’s recording studio, The Power Plant, Thompson’s CD was mastered in Toronto.