Richard Thompson first came to prominence in the mid-60’s as guitarist for folk-rock group Fairport Convention. But his skill and talent in exploring a wider musical palette led him to leave and embark on a hugely successful solo career spread over 25+ critically-adored studio albums, some with his ex-wife Linda Thompson, and almost as many live albums. With his roots in folk it is no surprise that story-telling sits at the heart of Thompson’s records, but it as a live performer that Thompson really comes alive, whether with his electric Telecaster or, as tonight, performing acoustically.
Tonight’s’ sold-out show is part of a tour promoting his new Ship to Shore album, though in reality his back catalogue is so vast he barely touches the new album. Basingstoke Anvil is a great venue for Thompson, small with superb acoustics and designed to capture the sound and intimacy of a live show. Thompson, adorned with his trademark beret, starts with ‘I Misunderstood’ from his Rumours and Sigh album, quickly pulling the audience into his storytelling ways and his wicked sense of humour, slightly mocking Basingstoke for its reputation as the home of insurance and later questioning whether anyone in Basingstoke was allowed to have sex anymore. Songs like ‘Johnny’s Far Away’ and ‘1952 Vincent Black Lightning’ follow and are well received, though with such an impressive back-catalogue I’m not sure Thompson could fail to disappoint with his song choices.
His intricate and virtuoso guitar playing is a staggering joy to watch, and hear, and underpins each of the exquisite 20 or so tracks in the set, never self-indulgent but a true master of his craft. But the between-song storytelling is as much an essential part of a Richard Thompson show as his songs and guitar-playing. His stories are infused with humour and his own life experiences, such as a wonderful introduction to ‘Walking the Long Miles Home‘, which explores his experiences of going to the Marquee club in the 60s and missing the last tube home or ‘Pharaoh’ about the role of sociopathic leaders, whether in ancient Egypt or current times.
For the second half of the set he is joined by his wife Zara Phillips who provides harmonies and for a number of Richard and Linda Thompson tracks takes the vocal role of Thompson’s first wife, Linda. This works particularly well on tracks such as ‘Hokey Pokey’, ‘Wall of Death’ and the final encore of ‘I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight’. Thompson knows the demographic of his audience, and they’re not so young. He does a quick check of the audience’s favourite decade but doesn’t even get beyond the 80s, which was his wife’s favourite, though she seemed alone. His set draws mainly from his 1970s and 2010-onwards output with only a smattering of 80s and 90s tracks, though you have a sense that the audience would have been happy no matter what he performed.
A true British music icon, on the top of his game. What more could an audience as for?
