Bio/EPK
Jesse “JTJazz” Thompson
Artist | Composer | Producer | Humanitarian
Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio—long celebrated as the “land of funk”—Jesse “JTJazz” Thompson is an accomplished contemporary jazz artist, composer, and producer whose sound is deeply rooted in the city’s rich musical legacy. Influenced early on by iconic Ohio artists such as Slave, Ohio Players, Lakeside, and Zapp featuring Roger Troutman, Thompson developed a style that fuses funk, R&B, jazz, and gospel into a modern, forward-thinking sonic identity. His artistry and impact have earned him three GRAMMY® Considerations, solidifying his place among today’s respected independent jazz voices.
For over 20 years, Thompson honed his craft as a composer, pianist, and keyboardist with the popular Columbus-based R&B/jazz ensemble NexLevel, a prolific band known for its relentless touring and musical excellence. During his tenure, NexLevel released two full-length albums and multiple singles, sharing stages with legendary acts including Boyz II Men, Fourplay, Spyro Gyra, Mindi Abair, Warren Hill, Tim Bowman, and the late Jeff Golub and Wayman Tisdale. These experiences opened the door for Thompson to tour and perform with smooth jazz standouts such as Eric Darius, Adam Hawley, Althea Rene, Paul Taylor, and the late Nick Colionne. He is also featured on saxophonist Jeanette Harris’ album Saxathrone.
While many sidemen aspire to solo careers, Thompson was content collaborating—until the global pandemic shifted his focus inward. During that period, he intentionally used the downtime to “sow a seed of happiness,” resulting in “Weekend Groove,” a high-energy, disco-inspired track featuring flutist Althea Rene. The song became the lead single from his debut album The Inauguration of JTJazz (Jesse Thompson: The Man Behind the Keys) and quickly gained traction on Music Choice and smooth jazz radio nationwide. The album showcased Thompson’s wide musical range, drawing inspiration from Dayton funk legends alongside icons such as George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample, and Brian Culbertson.
Thompson continues to evolve artistically, most recently with his single “A.I.—Another Intuition.” Inspired by the intersection of human creativity and artificial intelligence, the track explores intuition, innovation, and the emotional soul that technology can never replace. With layered textures, modern production, and expressive melodies, the song reflects Thompson’s forward-looking mindset while staying grounded in authentic musicianship—bridging the future of music with its human essence.
Equally important to Thompson’s journey is his commitment to giving back. As a humanitarian and founder of the JTJazz Connection, a youth mentoring nonprofit program, he works directly with young people—using music, education, and personal development to inspire creativity, discipline, and confidence. His mission extends beyond the stage, aiming to uplift the next generation through mentorship and access to the arts.
On stage, JTJazz is known for his dynamic presence—often standing while playing keys to better connect with audiences and channel raw, funky energy. His notable performances include sold-out shows at Gertrude’s Jazz Series in Kailua-Kona, HI; the Jazz & Jokes Tour at Blue Note Hawaii; the Levitt Summer Music Festival in Dayton; the Kona Jazz Series; and opening for Peabo Bryson, Eric Darius, and Boney James at the Jazz Legacy Foundation Gala in Hampton, VA. He has also appeared at major festivals such as the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival and The Smooth Jazz Showcase in Chicago.
From his earliest days as the son of a professional jazz drummer and a church organist, Jesse “JTJazz” Thompson’s musical path was inevitable. A multi-instrumentalist by age twelve, his foundation in gospel, funk, and jazz continues to inform a career defined by authenticity, growth, and purpose. Today, JTJazz stands as a compelling voice in contemporary jazz—balancing artistry, innovation, and community impact with unmistakable soul.
