Samples and Testimonials
If you’d like to know what dlaurance music is about, take a few moments and review the video below.
It’s made up of selections from material that I’ve worked on and will hopefully give you sense of production values.
Of course, it’s understood that everyone hears a little differently and requires different approaches. I realized some years ago that the most important thing I can do is to be authentic in what I bring to the writing and production I do on my original material and when offering suggestions to assist on someone else’s project.
My process runs something like this…
I have a small workshop studio in my home. Pro Tools is my DAW of choice. UA Apollo interface. More than enough plugins to get me in trouble.
Drums: Programmed with live hat and cymbals. Percussion: Can be either live or programmed.
Bass: Programmed (typically Spectrasonics Trillian) and live, depending on needs.
Keys: Piano, Rhodes etc. are programmed using primarily Keyscape. Hammond B3 is live. Synth parts are programmed using VI’s from Arturia, Roland, Native Instruments and others. Additionally, I do have access to a significant collection of Sequential and Oberheim synths if required.
Guitars: Acoustic and electric, are live.
Horns: Trumpet, alto and tenor and trombone are live. Bari and bass bone are programmed when needed.
Orchestral: Programmed using Spitfire and Cinesample libraries.
It’s my intention to avoid all things AI that uses the Intellectual Property of others to generate output without compensation to the creators of the IP. The world class musicians that play on the orchestral libraries I use are all compensated every time a library is sold. That’s the way it should be. I believe that creative works should represent the skill and craft of the artist.
Unless otherwise noted, I’m responsible for the writing or co-writing, arranging, creation of all musical parts and mix in the following productions.
If you feel that how I approach music would be a good fit for what you’re doing, please get in touch on the contact form and we’ll open a conversation.
I look forward to chatting with you.
LT
Click on the Image Below
If you’d like to hear additional samples, full length versions and other content, please pop over to my YouTube channel.
Kind words...
Daniel Victor – Artist – Never Ending White Lights
In my experience as a recording artist, Larry Thompson’s talent and abilities remain unparalleled. He engineered and co-mixed five albums with me, including the chart-toppers from Neverending White Lights — all of which were critically acclaimed and widely embraced by audiences. These projects ultimately earned Larry his much-deserved first gold record.
Larry kept our sessions smooth and organized throughout the intricate process of compiling dozens of guest vocalists from around the world — including City & Colour, Finger Eleven, 311, Our Lady Peace, Hot Hot Heat, Aqualung, The Raveonettes, Hum, Catherine Wheel, Auf der Maur, and many others. We worked long hours together over the years, and his kind-hearted spirit and warm personality made those sessions genuinely joyful for me.
What sets Larry apart is his ability to create a safe, inspiring space for creative exploration in the studio. He encouraged new techniques and production ideas, helping me fully realize my artistic vision. He’s not only a solutions expert and audio mastermind, but he also brings a calm, resourceful energy to every challenge. (It’s no wonder people call him “MacGyver” and “The Amazing Larry.”)
Larry Thompson is a natural-born prodigy — a genius-level engineer, accomplished composer, mix wizard, and world-class musician. I’ve watched him tackle seemingly impossible challenges with calm confidence and creative precision — whether it’s arranging string parts at the eleventh hour or capturing the perfect take from a vintage drum kit in a boomy, makeshift garage. Larry understands audio not only through the science of frequency, but through a deep, intuitive connection that stems from his spiritual core. He’s a dependable professional, a loyal friend, and someone whose golden ears and heartfelt approach make every project better. He pours his soul into everything he touches.
No matter the setting, Larry’s intention is always to elevate sound to its highest expressive potential. It’s more than a skill — it’s his essence, his passion, and his divine gift. I’m deeply grateful for the role he’s played in both my creative world and personal life. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his contributions — not just as a technician, but as a true collaborator, a visionary, and a devoted friend to artists like me.
Rick Beneteau – Songwriter
I met Larry when he moved to Windsor in the early 80’s. After our first meeting, I knew we’d be working together and within a year we had put together a small Mac-Midi-based demo studio in his apartment and began cranking out pop demos. One of our first songs, written with Barrelhouse’s John Theaker, was recorded by Star Search 2nd Grand Champion, Catte Adams, as her first single and was produced by renown music icon, Charles Calello. She performed it live on the Easter Seals U.S. telethon hosted by Pat Boone. Our first sync deal. Not long after, Tower of Power lead singer, Lenny Williams, recorded two songs of ours, one co-written with John Theaker and the other with the late Gene Davis, in 1986. We also won Billboard’s second songwriting competition among others and we continued as a duo writing until I left the music business in the mid 1990’s.
Larry remained entrenched in music ultimately receiving a Gold Record for his work with Neverending White Lights.
Last year we got back together to rebuild some of our best songs for film and television targeting 80’s period productions. The world of recording had changed from hardware to software and I was amazed at the level of production and mixing Larry had achieved in his basement studio. What you will hear in the crossfade on the Samples page is ALL Larry’s playing, production and mixing!
I have been blessed to have worked with a few bonafide musical geniuses in my day and if you are dead serious about levelling up your music productions, Larry is your answer!
MELØ – Artist
I had the opportunity to work with Larry on my most recent MELØ album, Architects of Revolution, and his contributions were nothing short of exceptional.
Larry brought a wide range of skills to the project — performing Hammond organ, crafting horn arrangements, and lending his expertise in vocal tuning and harmony arrangements. His input truly elevated the songs, adding a level of depth and musicality that helped bring the vision to life.
He’s not only a seasoned studio musician, but also a true professional in every sense — focused, reliable, and incredibly knowledgeable. His technical feedback and creative instincts were invaluable throughout the recording process. Working with him made everything feel more efficient, inspired, and polished.
Larry has long been a respected figure in the Windsor-Detroit music scene. A multi-instrumentalist with decades of experience, he’s known for his pursuit of excellence and dedication to his craft. He’s also someone I’ve had the pleasure of knowing personally for over 30 years , and I consider it a privilege to call him both a collaborator and a friend.
Whether you’re looking for a session player, arranger, engineer, or producer, Larry Thompson is the kind of person you want on your team , not just for his musical talents, but for the positive energy and professionalism he brings into every room. He’s always learning, always improving, and always working to help others create their best work.
Sincerely,
Carmen Rivolta (MELØ)
www.melomusicofficial.com
Ian Smith – Artist / Composer
My association and subsequent friendship with Larry Thompson began when I used to go hear him perform live in the early 1980’s. He was simply a wizard at the keyboard and live sound. When I was ready to record my first project as a musical artist, I called Larry to be the production engineer on the project. After that it was obvious that I would include Larry on all of my musical subsequent projects. He has always been able to take what I have done and made it better by adding his broad musical skill set to the project.
He has been more than a mixing engineer, he has been a producer, co-producer, arranger, keyboardist, background vocalist, recording engineer on a vast amount of my material. I might add that the projects Larry has been involved with have spent some time in the top 10 in some radio and internet radio markets. This has totally led me to enjoy a successful international musical career. I owe so much to my now dear friend Larry Thompson. Please consider utilizing him to enhance your musical project in the many ways he has been able to enhance my music.
Phil Sykes – Songwriter / Artist
Finding a complete writing partner in Larry Thompson has been a profound creative pleasure. We have written in-person and remotely.
Dominic Ambrosio – Producer / Mix Engineer / Musician
Larry Thompson has been a dear friend and mentor of mine for over 20 years. His guidance has shaped much of my journey in music production—from setting up MIDI equipment and microphone placement to sharing countless studio tips and tricks that only experience can teach.
Recently, Larry lent his talents as a session musician on a project I was producing. His versatility is truly remarkable; he played B3 organ, Rhodes piano, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone with effortless skill. He also contributed extensively to vocal production, handling vocal tuning and crafting lush harmonies that elevated the entire track.
If you’re looking for a seasoned professional, look no further. Larry is a one-of-a-kind musical encyclopedia. With perfect pitch and the rare ability to masterfully play a wide range of instruments, his talent is immense—but what sets him apart even more is his gentle spirit and his commitment to collaboration. He’s not just a gifted musician—he’s the kind of team player every project needs.
Gary Creary – Musician / Songwriter
Larry has been a friend, mentor, and collaborator of mine since we were both in high school together. Larry was then and has always been the most gifted and talented person I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with. He has the uncanny ability to instantly hear what works and interpret what fits in a song. Larry has helped me out with various music projects, either playing, producing, or general knowledge and advice. I now live in New Zealand and the distance has never been a problem, being able to work remotely. He even tracked me down with a brilliant idea for one of my songs while I was on a boat in the middle of the Tasman Sea! The two of us working together on our tablets, worlds apart. My point? He will go that extra distance to help out. He’s one person I’m lucky to consider as a friend and colleague.