description Barbara Thompson Overview
Barbara Thompson (1944-2022) was a British jazz saxophonist and composer known for her work across multiple saxophones. She founded and led the jazz-rock group Paraphernalia, which performed for several decades. Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, she continued to perform and compose, becoming an influential figure in the British contemporary jazz and fusion scenes.
help Barbara Thompson FAQ
Who was Barbara Thompson?
Barbara Thompson (1944-2022) was a British jazz saxophonist, flautist, and composer who worked across jazz, jazz-rock, and classical music. She led her own group Barbara Thompson's Paraphernalia and received an MBE in 1996. [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/jul/28/barbara-thompson-obituary)
What was Barbara Thompson's Paraphernalia?
Paraphernalia was Thompson's long-running jazz-rock group, built around her compositions and saxophone playing. Its later work included the 2021 album Bulletproof, made with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. [Official site](https://www.temple-music.com/gallery/barbara-thompson/)
Did Parkinson's disease stop her from making music?
She was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1997, but continued composing and recording after active touring became harder. She returned to the stage with Colosseum in 2003 and later completed recorded projects with Paraphernalia. [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/jul/28/barbara-thompson-obituary)
What other music did Barbara Thompson compose?
Her work included concertos, choral pieces, and television music, including the theme for A Touch of Frost. She also performed in groups connected with Jon Hiseman and Colosseum, showing why her catalog extends beyond one jazz band. [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/jul/28/barbara-thompson-obituary)
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