Richard Thompson
Richard Thompson's fantastic project takes a journey through 1000 Years of Popular Music. It grew from a request to submit a list of the greatest songs of the Millennium. Displaying his trademark humour in the selection of songs, Thompson takes you on a succinct journey from the ballads of the early middle ages, through more modern songs originally made known by artists as varied as Nat King Cole, Nelly Furtado, Gilbert & Sullivan, and The Who. Treating each song as if it were his own, Thompson’s “mysterious tunings, blunt harmonics and yearning melodies are ceaselessly astonishing, making this as much a journey through Thompson’s virtuosity as through a millennium of song.” The Guardian.
Thompson’s uncanny genius is evident in his astonishing guitar technique which sees him juggling simultaneous lead, rhythm, and bass parts on the same six strings. Bringing his personal slant to all the songs he presents an eccentric view of the last 1000 years of songwriting that subtly makes the point that songs are good whatever century they are from. Accompanying Thompson are Judith Owen (vocals, piano) and Debra Dobkin (percussion, vocals).
“Riveting, enlightening, witty, moving, provocative, entertaining and heartily recommended.” Time Out
