Richard and Linda Thompson, from the album of the same name
Ask me my favorite guitarist, and the answer comes easily: Richard Thompson. I am a fool for all things English, and Thompson is the epitome.
I haven't been to a lot of concerts, so it's a small sample size, but my favorite was an acoustic show by Richard Thompson. He was supporting 1994's Mirror Blue (outstanding, btw), accompanied by Danny Thompson (no relation) on double bass. Richard's virtuosity was breathtaking. This was before I started playing, and it would have been discouraging to my ambitions.
This song was from the first record from Richard and his wife, Linda. In its original arrangement, it has a Beatle-y flavor, with a brass band that features a pocket cornet (think "Penny Lane"). I found several different arrangements on Youtube as he has played it over the years, but this solo performance was the best of the lot, I think. It really emphasizes his guitar stylings.
If it won't play for you, and it isn't for me(!), you can see it here.
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Hi Leslie Ann, did you find the links on my recent post to some 70's music? You should try Michael Chapman who Richard Thompson says was an influence.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sending me back there, C. I didn't have time to follow the links when I first read your post, and my mental note to revisit was worth the paper it wasn't written on.
ReplyDeleteChapman sounds great, and I have never heard of him. The Ronson guitar is so chunky.
Never heard of Jimmie Spheeris either. Not bad. A little fey in that early seventies singer-songwriter way. Earnest. The string arrangement is beautiful. Reminds me of Love's Forever Changes record, or Van Morrison's Veedon Fleece.
The Nick Drake is gorgeous. My brother is a big fan of his. I need to get me some of that.
Thanks for the schooling, C! Much to think on.