Another steller review by the Cape Cod Times…this time for the legendary Richard Thompson. Thank you Mick Carlon!!
Payomet audience in hands of a master with Richard Thompson
NORTH TRURO — It is not hyperbole to say that Richard Thompson is one of the finest guitarists and songwriters of the past 50 years. Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Joni Mitchell would agree with you.
Thompson’s Saturday night performance to a sold-out Payomet crowd — with another sold-out show on Sunday — was a rollicking, humorous, at times profound affair. For over two hours Thompson, accompanied by his trusty Lowden acoustic guitar, gave the rapturous audience a master-class in stunning songcraft and guitar playing.
After opening with “Gethsemane,” Thompson proved himself a warm and witty host. “The emotional scope of my music is rather limited,” he said. “That song was medium-paced depressing and this next one is slow-paced depressing.” On the contrary, the next tune, “Valerie,” was a heartfelt gem. Thompson’s unmistakable baritone voice filled the Payomet tent with its intensity and soul.
Thompson, 70, made his 1967 recording debut as an 18-year-old with his legendary band, Fairport Convention. Rather than digging back into American music, Fairport Convention found their roots in British and Celtic music. With their legendary singer, Sandy Denny, the band became one of the most influential of its era. As a nod to Denny, who died in 1978, Thompson played an absolutely lovely version of her song, “Who Knows Where The Time Goes,” earning him the first of many standing ovations….
