The Thompson clan are fast becoming the musical royal family of Britain and Richard Thompson, soon to be Richard Thompson OBE, sits at the head of that table, wearing his beret crown and playing to his chosen kingdom - tonight London’s Royal Festival Hall.
With no support – who indeed would you have - The show takes place in two parts, split by a civilised interval and an opportune moment to mull over the first act – Thompson playing his 2010 Grammy-nominated album, ‘Dream Attic’ in almost its entirety.
Backed by the supremely talented ‘Richard Thompson Band’ consisting of Michael Jerome, drums; Taras Prodaniuk, bass; Pete Zorn, alto sax, guitar, baritone sax and Joel Zifkin on the electric violin. The concert is a show in sheer musicality, with each musician ever ready to give a glimpse into their abilities, and to show why they’re good enough to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with one of, if not the, greatest guitarist the country has ever produced.
Every member of the band gives masterful solos upon request, frequently run through each member – by the time it reaches Thompson my eyebrows are so high that they’re nearly on the back of my head. Straddling his baby blue Stratocaster his hands are a controlled blur up and down the neck of the instrument. I have never seen anything like it and doubt I will again – until I see him next time round.
The second half was a greatest hits parade – although missing the more commercially successful tracks like ‘Beeswing’ and ‘1952 Vincent Black Lightening’ – which although I’ll be admonished for saying so, I did wish he’d played. The finale saw the band joined by Kamila Thompson, who sang with her father on ‘I want to see the bright lights tonight’ – I guess it must be in the genes, as Teddy Thompson (son to Richard and Linda) is soon to release his new album too.
The entire evening was brilliant, for a purist it gives a reason to say, “they don’t make ‘em like that anymore” and they’re right – go and see Richard Thompson and attempt not to be impressed. You’ll undoubtedly fail.
Words by Sam Ballard