Richard Thompson

[coloradobgrass]

Can anyone fill me in on Richard Thompson? What songs do I know of his? Seems to me that I used to hear his name a lot on the radio in Chicago when I lived there on WXRT 93.1. Is this a set I don't want to miss???

[rockhoundjew]

http://youtu.be/V4WGsMplGxU/v/V4WGsMplGxU

[hooterroll]

Personally for me, this is a Definately can't miss set. Apart from being an amazingly creative guitar player, his songs can run the gamut of styles. I love the album " mirror blue ". His early stuff with Fairport Convention is a great place to start although he'll be more stripped down in Telluride I'd expect. Not sure if he's playing solo or with a band..be nice if some of the regulars joined him for a song or 2.

 Listening to: Richard Thompson. MGB GT

[BillyBeru]

I saw Richard Thompson at Strawberry over Memorial Day.

It was all electric, no surprise since his band is called Richard Thompson's Electric Trio. Richard calls his latest incarnation "funk folk".

I enjoyed the set

[meanderingjeeper]

1952 Vincent Black Lightning

[Hot Sugar]

I saw Richard Thompson at Strawberry over Memorial Day.

It was all electric, no surprise since his band is called Richard Thompson's Electric Trio. Richard calls his latest incarnation "funk folk".

I enjoyed the set

I spent about 3 hours with Michael and Ellen last night, and they said the same thing. He's been close to the top of my must see list for this year since he was announced. Not only can he play better than 95% of the world's guitarists and he can sing while doing so. He's absolutely brilliant and well worth checking out.

[zack_adcock]

His albums "Shoot Out the Lights" and "I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight" are awesome. Not sure how representative of his current band they are, but I am excited no less!

[tbacon]

Richard Thompson can be found in Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of all-time.  He's in there between John McLaughlin and Jack White, if that gives you an idea.  In a review of a recent show in NYC, the critic called him the greatest living rock guitarist, bar none.  He's also been called a cross between Bob Dylan for his insightful and well crafted lyrics and Eric Clapton for the obvious reasons.  While all these kinds of comparisons are quite subjective, the fact is that he is an incredible lyricist and guitarist who will set the Town Park stage afire with his blistering attacks.  His latest album, "Electric", will give you an excellent place to start.  He isn't too jammy, but he can and will cut loose.  He is traveling as a power trio right now.

He was a founding member of Fairport Convention, a band credited with electrifying British folk and celtic music.  If you want to go back that far, check out "Sloth" on Fairport's 1970 album "Full House" - an 9-minute romp when only the Dead and Quicksilver were doing tracks that long.  His album done with his then-wife Linda Thompson, "Shoot Out the Lights", appears on all the top-100 rock albums lists.  However, he has never had commercial success and has bounced from record label to record label and from periods of high and low creativity.  To me, he is now in one of his best creative stints in a long time. 

"Electric" was recorded at Buddy Miller's house.  I'm personally hoping that Emmylou will come out and sing with him, since she'll be up next.  Don't go home for dinner, or you'll be sorry that you did. 

[headlight]

1952 Vincent Black Lightning

Definitely a personal fave! Wish I had one too!

 Listening to: Birds chirping in the back yard

[Davein VA]

I have no idea if he plays this regularly, but I find it hauntingly beautiful.

Woodstock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h54rRq2SAv0



 Listening to: Dark Hollow - Grateful Dead

[rickandian]

I hope to be pleasantly surprised by Mr. T. I have heard of him and he is highly acclaimed by many, but I for one am running out of time to brush up on his library of work before his set...

[jlarsp]

Aside from the Fest regulars, Thompson tops my must see list this year. Agree with all the assessments above, and add that he is a great performer with a wry sense of humor. Haven't seen the album Rumor & Sigh mentioned. It sort of brought him back to the fore in the '80s and contains his classic "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" (which alone offers ample evidence of his guitar prowess). That whole album is great and a good place to start. It was maybe his first big album after splitting with wife Linda.
Not sure if it is still available, but he also has an album called Small Town Romance (from sometime in the 80s I think) that is a live solo concert and really shows off his playing.
I am so ready for Festival!

[Iriecycle]

Hands down must see.  So long as Jerry Douglas isn't slotted into a conflicting show, I think they could not be so crass though.  Note to extended self, Del and Emmy Lou set could be crass conflict as well.

 Listening to: JGB

[swander99]

1952 Vincent Black Lightning

Saw RT's "Power Folk Trio" last night @ The MN Zoo. Great show! Great guitar! Will need the binocs on the festifield, as last night I was no more than 20' from him, and watching his right hand picking style is very cool.
"Deep melancholy or psychopathic" is how he describes songs. Won't be missed by our clan. 

[Mandhoe]

Love shows at the zoo! Good to see a fellow Minnesotan around here!