Cornucopia
(duo with guitarist Rob Whitsitt)
With Mike on drums and Rob Whitsitt on guitar Cornucopia is a dynamic duo with a vast repetoire ranging from jazz and latin to pop and even a little Nirvana. They have enjoyed successful restaurant, club and private engagments in Kansas City. Energetic yet discreet Cornucopia provides the perfect accompaniment to any function.
Contact Mike Thompson for more information or to book this group.
More about Rob Whitsitt
Rob has on occassion studied with with Joe Pass, Pat Martino, George Benson and Pat Metheny. Studies with Kansas City pianist John Elliot laid a strong foundation of knowledge in musical harmony and theory.
Professional Experience:
- Traveled the “Chitlin Circuit” as member of Jack McDuff and the Heatin’ System
- Greg Meise organ group
- Gene Harris and The Three sounds with Kansas City Bassist John Hatton
- Rob Whitsitt Trio in “Living Room” at the Playboy Club, Hotel Continental Kansas City (members Everett Devan organ, Don Van Fleet drums)
- Backing singer and comedians including Jennifer Wood, Carol Comer, Kelly Monteith, Gary Muledeer, Mary Welch, and Kay Dennis
- Formed “Symmetry” with pianist Mark Hart featuring Ida McBeth debut at Playboy Club
- Recorded with the Marc-Almond Band in Hollywood, California
- Toured United States, British Columbia and Canada as member of George Shearing Quintet, also appeared with Minneapolis, Minnesota and Seattle Washington Symphony as part of 60-city community concert series
- Performed and recorded with Max Bennet’s L.A. Express, Roland Vasquez Urban Ensemble, John Serry, Ronnie Foster, Alan Barnes, Claire Fisher Salsa Picante, Charles Lloyd, Stan Worth, Monte Budwig, Kay Dennis and Bobby Lyles
- Worked for Los Angeles casual big bands including Ray Anthony, Clark Keen, Ron Rubin, Joe Diamond and others
- Member of Don Randi and Quest playing Fusion and Jazz recording two albums with same group and appearing for four years as house band at the Baked Potato in North Hollywood, California backing several artists such as Nancy Sinatra and Duane Eddy
- Concert tour of Japan with Don Randi and Quest
- Performed in Las Vegas, Nevada, Lake Tahoe, Nevada and Atlantic City, New Jersey with Nancy Sinatra opening for her father Frank Sinatra
- Rob Whitsitt Quartet in Los Angeles area including members Ron Combs, Bob Shepard, Joe Correro, Jim Coile, Jim Lacefield, John Leitham, and John Whinnery
- Also appeared with GRT recording artist “BAYA” featuring Vince Charles, John Heard, George Cables, Roger Bethelme, Larry Klimas, Ralf Rickert and Pat Murphy
- Returned to Kansas City in 1994 and became a member of the House Band at “Bobbys Downtown Jazz Club” under leader Everett Devan backing local and national artists including Eric Alexander, Lisa Henry, Millie Edwards, Claude Fiddler Williams, among many others
- Also appeared as a member of Jack Mc Duff’s Quartet featuring Andrew Beals on alto saxophone and Lou Donaldson featuring Dr. Lonnie Smith
- Rejoined “Ida Mc Beth and Friends” as a full time member
- Currently freelancing with various Kansas City entertainers including; Greg Meise, Everett Devan, Frank Smith, Kevin Mahogany, Mike McGraws Boulevard Big Band, Steve Millers Big Band, Jack Taylors New Vintage Big Band, Horace Washington, Angela Hagenbach, Julie Turner, Richard Ross and Lester “Duck” Warner
- Recorded a second CD with Boulevard Big Band featuring Pete Christlieb, Frank Mantooth, Tom Harrell and Bill Caldwell. Latest CD recording available as featured player on The New Vintage Big Bands “Always and Forever”
