If there is a buzz on the concert circuit this spring, part of it centers on the shows currently being performed by Richard Thompson. The London, U.K.-born musician is a legend in many eyes, with Rolling Stone magazine listing Thompson as one of the “Top 20 Guitarists of All Time,” and the BBC giving him a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Thompson came out of the 1960s Folk music scene in England, being an original member of the group Fairport Convention. He is known as a consummate acoustic axe man. However, once in a while Thompson feels the need to plug in his guitars. And that is why his new and well-received album is titled Electric.
A couple weeks ago, word of how good Thompson was sounding in concert began to surface. Within the last week, a few of my more music-knowledgeable friends attended one of his shows, and all of the responses were positive, if not raving. Reports are the Electric Trio is tight, Thompson is inspired and even his two acoustic numbers are smoking. Thompson’s acoustic guitar dexterity on the self-penned “1952 Vincent Black Lightning,” in particular, is causing a few jaws to drop.
RICHARD THOMPSON ELECTRIC TRIO performs Thursday, April 11 with The Rosie Carson Band at 20th Century Theater in Oakley. Buy tickets, check out performance times and get venue details here.
