At 15 my guitar teacher said, we are not going to play today. I want you to listen to this album. It was "Shoot out the lights". I realized the possibilities. I also realized, anyone that turns you on to RT is a real friend. Thank you Greg Rosenberg!
I'm proud to say I own a copy of every album Richard Thompson has recorded , including his Fairport Convention days . Am I alone in thinking he has got even better with age . I find it sad that a great many people have never heard of this remarkably talented musician .
ThefightingCelt No, you’re not alone. My husband and I have loved him since the Fairport days and his albums with Linda. It’s odd that he is still relatively unknown, but now plays huge venues where ticket prices are hard for many of his long-time fans to afford. And they sell “meet-and-greet” premium ticket packages with a chance for a photo with RT. We always enjoyed a few brief words with him as we bought CDs during intermission at his shows at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta. I really miss those old, more intimate concerts. Now it’s thank God for You Tube!
You are not alone... though great in the early days, he's a living legend among us today. I cannot think of an acoustic player on the planet I like more! His songwriting is so solid and deep too. Beeswing is an everlasting folk song!
I just saw him for the first time. Amazing. He is a force of nature with an acoustic guitar. I don't think he can be adequately described; you have to see him to understand. He impressed me in every way: vocally, songwriting, and, of course, instrumentally. His guitar work is like nothing else.
George McElroy - so glad you enjoyed seeing Mr T - I am off to see him solo acoustic in a couple of weeks at Brighton and cannot wait. Third time for me. Make sure you also get to see his electric guitar work - in my opinion it is even more original than his acoustic playing - not everyone will agree I'm sure!
To listen to Richard is a pleasure. To see him perform is a revelation. The Beauty of his lyrics, combined with his incredible guitar playing and vocals, you wonder if he signed away his soul to be THAT good!
I first saw him at the Ark (of course) in Ann Arbor in 1986. It was a cold winter night and we were late. Walking into the Ark, the rocking beat of Wall of Death came out. That was the first time I ever saw RT live. This year on 2/13 we saw him at the Boulder Theatre, front row seats, one of a small handful of artists I'd pay that kind of money for. This electric trio is very good. RT is, if possible, better than ever. I just can't find the words to say how great he is. He's really operating on a whole other level. Who plays guitar like that? And writes so many great songs. And sings with such soul. And such a humble person. I feel like he's channeling 500 years of British Isles minstrel tradition. like he's letting us into a very special, private place. Just astonishingly good.
Saw him in the Hundred Club in London........wonderful....I know he's done masses since but I still absolutely adore his Amnesia album....l feel sorry for folk who haven't discovered him........
Had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Richard after a show in Brisbane a few years ago... He's a fabulous musician and a charming man...Loved this version of Uninhabited Man.
He started out in Fairport Convention doing,among other things,Bob Dylan covers.These days Mr. Dylan should be honored to be mentioned in the same sentence with Richard.One of the most talented and least appreciated artists of my generation certainly.And that is probably understatement.
nigelbourne23 - yes a good sound engineer is worth their weight in Platinum! These unsung heroes are too often overlooked and only noticed when they do a bad job!
I tried once to put together a "Best Of" mix from my extensive Richard Thompson recordings collection - trouble was every song, every take, every variation was the best!
12 seconds in, look at all the bald spots! I'd be one of them if I was there, but I thought it was funny and cute that all these men of a certain age came to see Richard.
You don't really hear it on these two songs, but Mr Thompson can sound like a complete band all by himself, such is his prowess on the guitar. His three - man - band must be absolutely stupefying to see.
Dan Sneyd - I have heard people say this before - especially about Richard's voice not being as good as Teddy's, but I disagree. I think they both have equally beautiful voices just very different - they compliment each other perfectly too: Persuasion is twice as beautiful and heart rending when sung by father and son together!
I've never been in the front row for any of his many shows that I have attended, but I've been in one of the first five several times. Just amazing to watch and hear. Going to see him again in January, only 10th row this time.
I have a tune very simple . Waltz of a drunken sailor. They would prefer to rob and abuse me to death than let me record or give me air play. Such is the world today.
