I have been seeing a few of posts regarding great guitar players. The most recent was Gregs. As promised here is another of those overlooked artist who many much better known players couldn't carry his pick.
Richard Thompson was named in the top 20 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. In 1991 he was awarded the Orville H. Gibson award for best acoustic guitar player in 1991. Often overlooked his career has been more appreciated by critics than the general public.
Cindy and I see over 100 acts a year and when you see as much as Cindy and do you become quite critical and Richard would be one of those I would recommend highly if you were to see just one show a year. He performs solo and with a band. Each is a different show but I would recommend first seeing him solo first as he is amazing as a solo act.
Recently he appeared at the Sierra Nevada Brewery “Big Room” in Chico California. This was broadcast live on KVMR radio in Nevada City. As we could not make that performance I listened to it live on air. I have never heard anyone who could fill a room solo as Richard did that night. It was an inspired performance, the energy leaping out of the speakers and filling the room was so rare. As soon as it was over I called my friend who was engineering for the feed to see his take at the Big Room, he was as high as I have ever heard him about this show. With over 30 years seeing or working so many concerts it is rare for him to be this effusive.
Richards song Vincent Black Lightening 1952 is the most requested song on NPR. I have seen many guitar players cover this song and only one who has come close to nailing it as Richard has. That one is Canadian guitar player Joel Fafard and I have a board recording of Joel’s performance that I cherish.
Take a listen first to Vincent Black Lightning and then Valarie. You may not have been aware of Richard before but now, if he anywhere near your town drop everything, get a baby sitter, grab your friends and go see one of the greatest live guitar players in the world. Don’t worry, if he is solo you won’t have your ear drums blown out as it will be acoustic.
OK, I forgot and now I am adding this. Richards "Shoot Out the Lights" release was in the Rolling Stone Magazines top 100 releases of the last Century
1952 Vincent Black Lightning
Valerie
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Comments
The first thing I did when we got home was to buy a few of his albums, including his latest album at the time: "Sweet Warrior." Oh man. "'Dad's Gonna Kill Me" is a flat out classic (or at least it should be).
MJ
Thanks so much for the videos. these are great
M'oh yes.
And a fine rendition of the song you've posted here, FM. Thanks.
Monte
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH_8VINpfKQ&feature=related
Wish Thompson played more electric.
A week ago we lost one of the best guitar builders in the US at the to young age of 50. Lance McCollum built some of the finest acoustic guitars anywhere. Lance had two daughters in high school and no life insurance. It looks as if what was to be his birthday celebration on March 1st now is to be a fund raiser and the small town of Colfax California may have the main street closed to accommodate all those who are coming in to play and toast one for Lance and his family.
Such is the community of Folk Artists.
Jimmy,
Thanks for the rating, actually it is Richard who deserves that high rating.
Michael,
It is hard to pick the best of Richard but the list is pretty long and includes both acoustic and electric. His electric show is different than his acoustic set and ROCKS.
Suzie,
Richard has performed just up the road from you at the Strawberry Music Festival, just outside of Yosemite on more than one occasion. Twice as a solo, once as a duo with Danny Thompson (no relation) and once electric.
The first time they wouldn’t let him off the stage in what has become a legendary performance of “Tear Stained Letter” with the audience singing for nearly 20 minutes “Cry, Cry, hope you better, put it all down in a tear stained letter”.
You may find interest in some of his many releases particularly the last one he did with his former wife, “Shoot out the Lights” which is on the Rolling Stone Magazine’s top 200 releases of the last century.
After looking up his website & bio, I went on to remind myself of the wonderful music of his ex-wife, Linda, and also discovered their son, Teddy.
Terrific musical legacy! Long may it live.