RT in Greensboro
I enjoyed Jeri Rowe's interview with Richard Thompson, who's performing in Greensboro Friday night. I've had tickets since they went on sale Aug. 30.
I became aware of Thompson back in 1973 when he was with Fairport Convention. I first bought the Liege & Lief album, then many more. It was an amazing group, combining British folk tunes with original folk-rock compositions, many penned by Thompson. Lead vocals were handled by the spellbinding Sandy Denny. Fiddle player Dave Swarbrick was another driving force.
The band changed personnel frequently. Thompson pursued a solo career, as did Denny. Sadly, she died in 1978 at age 31. But Fairport Convention is still around, led by old-timers Simon Nicol and Dave Pegg. I saw them give a great performance last year in Charlotte.
Thompson, whom I've seen live only once before, is a tremendous talent with an impressive song list. I expect to hear some early Fairport-era standards but also a few that will be new to me. And, no kidding, the man can play the guitar.
Comments (4)
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It's was a great performance. The highlight for me was his rendition of "Crazy Man Michael," which he and Dave Swarbrick co-wrote for Fairport's Liege & Lief. He said he rarely sings it. It's been one of my favorites for more than 30 years.
Thompson was called out for two encores by the capacity audience.
Nice job by opener Amy Correia, who hung around chatting after the show.
Posted on October 28, 2006 12:29 PM
Definitely, "Crazy Man Michael" blew me away - I have seen him perform over two dozen times and I have never heard him sing this incredible song. I was moved to tears.
Kudos to Greensboro for such a hearty, huge turnout! I am proud of my city to recognize artistic greatness when it comes knocking - and Jeri did an excellent job with the interview.
Doug - any chance you would consider writing a review in the print edition of N&R? I was rather shocked that one did not come out over the weekend.
I would like to give props to Simon Tassano, Richard's soundman of 30+ years. Simon is the George Martin of soundmen - brilliant, perfectionist, devoted and without whom Thompson could not perform with such ease of spirit and freedom of expression. To have supreme confidence is a beautiful thing, and Simon provides this in every Thompson performance. To bring such sonic life to the Carolina Theatre was simply astounding.
My only wish: In the future I hope that the Carolina Theatre will cover the orchestra pit, bring Thompson forward, closer to the audience, and instead of relying on the overhead speakers, use left & right stacks. A talent this great should be seen up close and personal...anyone else agree?
Thank you Richard & Simon for a great show and please come back soon!
Posted on October 30, 2006 8:20 AM
My husband & I were at the Carolina Theater show Friday night. We are from Charlotte & had also caught the show at the Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte the night before. I agree with Ruthie's posting of Kudo's to Greensboro for the huge turnout. There might have been 300 people at the Charlotte show - actually that might be a stretch. Yes, both were great shows by the "guitar god", as always!
Posted on October 30, 2006 2:41 PM
Thanks for your comments, Ruthie and Kathleen.
With the strong turnout Friday, I hope RT's first Greensboro appearance won't be his last.
Posted on October 30, 2006 3:25 PM