Barbara Thompson's Paraphernalia

Barbara Thompson's Paraphernalia was a pioneering British jazz fusion band led by acclaimed saxophonist and composer Barbara Thompson. Formed in the mid-1970s, Paraphernalia became one of Thompson's primary outlets for her original compositions, blending jazz, rock, and classical influences into an energetic and melodically rich sound. The band featured a rotating lineup of top-tier musicians, including Thompson's husband, drummer Jon Hiseman of Colosseum fame, contributing to the group's dynamic and powerful live performances.

Known for their virtuosic musicianship and adventurous arrangements, Paraphernalia built a loyal following through their extensive touring and prolific output over several decades. Albums like Bulletproof, Breathless, and Mother Earth showcased Thompson's knack for combining intricate compositions with heartfelt emotion. Despite facing health challenges due to Thompson’s Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, the band continued to perform into the 2000s, with later releases like A Cry from the Heart capturing the enduring spirit and creativity of this remarkable ensemble.

Genres

Free Jazz

Experimental

Rock

Classical

Jazz

Blues

Funk

Progressive Rock

Contemporary Jazz

Jazz Fusion

Related Artists

Jan Garbarek

John Surman

Kenny Wheeler

Miles Davis

Django Bates

Keith Jarrett

Pat Metheny

Chick Corea

Chris Botti

Wayne Shorter

Al Di Meola

John Scofield

Latest Release

Live At Leverkusen 1994

Barbara Thompson's Paraphernalia

Album - 7 Tracks - Released April 18, 2025