Episode 75: “A Journey Into Sound”

True creative spirits at heart, twin brothers Joshua and Jared Thompson of the Sock Joplin Trio belong to a musical family and began playing piano at a young age. Jared later picked up the saxophone as his chosen specialty, and both have become revered within their home city of Indianapolis and around the US.

Known onstage as “Sock Joplin,” Joshua Thompson is a pianist, music sociologist, and lecturer recognized nationally for his expertise in classical composers of African descent. A recipient of numerous awards and national fellowships, Thompson has completed residencies at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, University of Puget Sound, University of Louisville, Seaside, FL, University of Nebraska Omaha, and currently serves as the Creative Partner in Residence with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.

Saxophonist, composer, and arranger Jared Thompson is a Denison University alumnus who formed the jazz quintet Premium Blend in 2007. Premium Blend appears in two national award-winning documentaries, “Go Get Your Horn” and “Chatterbox: A Love Letter.” In 2019, the band was awarded a commission by the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and directed. Its members produced the mini-documentary “38th & Postmodernism,” which addressed the myriad social tensions at the forefront of America’s mind throughout 2020.

The Thompson brothers recently partnered with vocalist AshLee “PsyWrn Simone” Baskin (pronounced Sī-ren Si-mōn) to perform as The Sock Joplin Trio on a national tour. “A Journey Into Sound” welcomed guests to The REP Theatre in Seaside, Florida, on November 15 and 16, 2024, for a lively tribute and discovery of Black music through the ages, along with originals by the trio members, who were accompanied onstage by local musicians from the Seaside area.

Join VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul host Lisa Marie Burwell for a special episode recorded at The REP as she goes more in-depth with Joshua and Jared about their love of music and performance, a mission to share and honor the work of Black composers throughout history, and how the arts can positively impact communities, even in dark times. A big shoutout to The REP for hosting us and bringing these incredible musicians to Northwest Florida!