British guitarist reacts to Richard Thompson's UNIQUE story telling
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- čas přidán 6. 11. 2018
- Tonight I'm taking a look at the skills of Richard Thompson!
Original video - • Richard Thompson - 195...
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I've been lucky enough to see him play this probably six times. Something that has always amazed me is that he never played it the same way twice. The consummate artist, he's always reaching for something new.
An all-time great and one of my favorites. From Fairport to present day, he never fails to amaze with his playing, writing and singing. And the man can absolutely rip it up when plugged in.
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And remember he wrote the song "Genesis Hall" when he was about 17, so he has always been a story teller.
I could not agree more. His guitar solos never fail to amaze and delight. He never goes quite where you expect. It;s one surprise after another. I can never get enough of him, especially his inventive and totally mesmerizing guitar solos.
Richard Thompson is a world treasure, a brilliant songwriter, lyricist and virtuoso guitarist, if ever given the chance please go see him 'live', you will have an evening to remember.
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One of the best. His electric playing is world class too
He's in my top 3 of all time.
@@MrStarflakes I can see that. He's in my top 10, but they are in no particular order. When you're that good, everybody gets to be #1 in my book :-)
I could listen to a live version of "Calvary Cross" I have on LP all day long.
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Richard learned electric first. It was sometime later he learned to play acoustic.
@@richbryce5006 That's backwards of just about everyone I know who plays. Usually because an acoustic is cheaper than an electric and an amp.
He's a master at both.
For non guitarists (or guitarists who haven't taken on the challenge of thumb independence yet), this is an incredibly challenging song to play properly. I've been working on it for a decade... still not there yet.
He’s brilliant beyond words
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A Force of Nature
I've had the privilege of seeing him many times, both acoustic and electric and he never disappoints. The first time I saw him electric, I had front row directly in front of him and all I did for 2 hours was stare directly at his fingers...
Haha cool!
First time I saw him was at an outdoor festival. I was only a few feet away also. He never fails to amaze and entertain. One of a kind. An individual voice. Going to see him for the fifth time in December.
Saw Richard play twice last year, every Fillmore show ... alternate Electric/ acoustic/ Electric !! Amazing anyway you hear him
me too! the silver lining of his not being better known is that the audience can get close.
I've had the same front row experience. My mouth was agape most of the show!
Thank you for this video! that is just some NASTY and BEAUTIFUL guitar playing! He is so talented as a vocalist, guitarist, lyricist, and storyteller
No problem!
I’ve seen Richard 15-20 times since 1990. Best ever. Two things- Del McCoury does a bluegrass version that is as good as the original. Second- Richard entertains himself doing “all request shows”, where the audience puts songs
(Any songs, not just his) in a bucket, he pulls them out and plays them cold. Really, really fun shows.
Haven't seen a request in a hat show from RT. I think he did requests by emails once. He has "opened" for himself here. First set acoustic, then with his band. God help you if you pull out a phone and he sees you coz he and his band will all pull faces and waggle their tongues at you. 🤣
Yes He did this recently in NY. Awesome, but in 2022-23 Imma avoid NYC...So happy he's doing a show in Montclair NJ.
No it isn't..
Seeing Del McCroury live was one the best events of the three years I spent teaching in Huntington, WV/
That would be fun!
When he sings "swooping down from heaven to carry me home" I get chills all over
I get the exact feeling too. Best track ever!
Saw him in Cardiff. Hardly knew any of the songs but he was entrancing. Me and my brother were the only under 40s in the audience, it would be nice if more young people could realise how wonderful and sometimes electrifying a guitarist he is. He writes beautiful songs but can rock as hard as anyone.
I'm 37 and he's amazing. My dad turned me onto him. Saw him live in Colorado and won a basket w his You Me Us album. Totally amazing
I've been following Richard since his days with Fairport Convention and he's one of my favourite musicians. There aren't many who can write and perform songs that make you sigh, or send shivers up your spine.
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I agree. Listen to Joni Mitchell for the same effect. ☺️
One name that occurs to me is his old bandmate, Sandy Denny.
I have never seen better.
Saw him live, solo last year at age 70. His playing was beautiful, precise, and amazing and his voice was stronger that I have heard on any of his albums. Amazing artist! A singer-songwriter for the ages!
I just saw him in concert last week and his voice is indeed strong as ever. Besides the rich voice, his guitar playing is sheer eloquence. Master storyteller.
He's a strange one in that he sounds *much* better live than on record.
Fil, your smile always turns my frown upside down. You ever seen a really cool chrome-engined vintage Vincent? No one can afford it now.
I've seen him many times. Musically RT is a national treasure. For those of us that have followed Fairport for many years, I would recommend RT's autobiographical book of his early years called "Beeswing".
Thank you! Thank you! I melt every time I watch this. I love the way he just tosses out one beautiful melodic run after another like he's not even thinking about it. "Red hair and black leather, my favorite color scheme".
No problem!
my favorite line in the song
He was playing solo at Fairport’s Cropredy festival - I went down to the front, & was surprised to see how many people were looking very intently, not at him, but at the big screens at the side of the stage. Then I realised they were watching the close-ups of his guitar picking, trying to figure out how on Earth he made one guitar sound like he was playing 2 or 3 at once…….just genius, and glad you picked up on his lyrical abilities too.
My wife is a huge Richard Thompson fan and we both appreciate your reaction. Your perspective was insightful . Thank you
Someone else posted this:
Trying to decide if Suzanne Vega and Louden Wainwright are looking on in awe or thinking "shit we're next"!
Beautifully done. His vocals and lyrics completely drew me in throughout. Neat story
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This is the only musician I have traveled very long distances numerous times just to see. There are so many great singers who are great because they learned how to work within their limitations.
The first time I saw this performance I really was blown away. In only a few minutes it changed everything I thought I knew or understood about guitar playing and completely changed my musical course in terms of what was possible as a player, singer and writer.
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My father turned me on to Richard many years ago,and i got to see him at a venue similar to this one.He's a great songwriter and player.He definitely has his own almost unorthodox approach on the electric which is great.Love this song I've listened to it many times.
Cool!
One of the greatest love songs ever, with the dang playing, and that voice perfect/meant for it. Your "analysis" is right on. Thank you!
I've long been a fan of this song but only recently got more into Thompson's catalog, and after having seen him live last week, I'm more sure than ever that he's one of the greatest.
Well, I've just looked up the lyrics and they impressed me no end. Thanks for the introduction.
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I saw Stuart Adamson’s daughter sing Beeswing live this evening. I had never heard of that song or Richard Thompson. He’s a brilliant songwriter and guitarist. I’m a new fan! ❤️
Now that is something I would like to hear x
@@timhughes4382 it is beautiful. She sings like an Angel x
Beeswing may be one of the most touching songs I have ever heard. It really can't get better than that.
In a category by himself!
I'm glad you included this astounding performance. It's not all shredding boys and girls. Sometimes blazing talent is mellow.
Gosh I just love this performance. Just reaches down and grabs you by the soul!
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Love listening to this Richard, he sounds like there are 2 guitarist playing at the same time! Great voice, great guitarist simply....! brilliant!! Smokin Fil!😀😀👌👌
Thanks!
Sensational Fil. What a great song. Made me feel like I was out on the road myself. Any woman who has ridden pillion, knows what it would mean to be given a bike - to ride. Awesome!! Cheers. Emily Liberty
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Richard Thompson is one musician who really is a genuine master IMO. I remember how impressed I was when I first saw a televised live performance around 1988 where Christine Collister was also on vocals and Clive Gregson played second guitar. Richard is a player who always takes risks in the studio and also impromptu during live performances; in fact he absolutely thrives when he just goes for it fearlessly. He covers so many musical bases brilliantly; I admire his ability as a writer/lyricist and his electric playing is truly one-of-a kind . Respect to Richard !
Amen!
The Humbuckerboy, first time I saw him play was with that same band: Gregson, Collister, John Kirkpatrick on accordion, also Dave Mattacks, possibly Pete Thomas for one show, and Pat Donaldson on bass....probably the same year as your show, and I saw them again a year or so later. Awesome! Must have been the tours for Across a Crowded Room, and Daring Adventures. Weirdly, I've searched the internet but can't find any live Thompson shows with Clive and Christine. Lots of various band configurations can be found on video, but not that one.
Amazing to see the joy you have watching RT. Seen him 4 times and going for a fifth. I don't know anyone who didn't know him before not liking him after songs like this. You nailed it on the head in your critique.
Thanks!
Ah, there he is. I see him whenever there’s the chance. Such soul and passion in his songwriting and playing. I love his cover of Joni Mitchell’s Woodstock.
just mentioned that before i saw your comment...sublime..
Whoa, I'd better check that out! A favorite player covering my favorite songwriter!
I’d like to hear your take on Richard’s electric playing, maybe “Shoot Out The Lights” - the scales he uses are fascinating.
1. I don't think RT has played this song the same way twice. I'm sure it's partly to amuse himself and partly to keep it fresh.
2. RT has also written a zillion songs that others have covered, most notably "Dimming of the Day." Bonnie Raitt's is probably the best-known version.
3. Look at those other people on the stage. I think I can see them thinking "Oh jeebus, I have to do something after THAT."
4. I love the fact that the girl gets the motorbike in the end.
Thanks Fil, for this insightful analysis. Part of the fun with these videos is seeing how you so clearly like and respect what these artists do.
p.s. The last 1952 Vincent Black Lightning that sold publicly went for nearly a million dollars, so Red Molly did all right.
Such a sad story. His accent adds to the magic of his vocals. I liked your detailed analysis of Richard's storytelling style with lyrics that mean something to the listener coupled with the catchy guitar tune.
Thanks!
Listen to Thompson's "Beeswing" next....
I have to admit I never heard of Richard Thompson, but that's why I love your channel Fil. You're reactions are gold! This was great and it's easy to see why your videos are so great..…...you love music and it's your passion! Rock!
Thanks! No problem!
Baby take this heart, set it free 💗
You got it!
Check out "Who knows where the time goes?" Peerless Sandy Denny, Richard Thompson fluid, evocative guitar and the rest of Fairport Convention.
Richard Thompson is simply one of the greatest players on Earth. Stellar songwriter. If "Pharoh" doesn't give you chills, you might be dead.
Red Hair & Black Leather ! Love this song!
I'm seeing Richard in Nashville. It'll be the third time I saw him this year (he opened for Jason Isbell,) and I can't wait. Seriously if you get the chance, see him live.
Cool!
Every guitar player worth his weight in salt in America knows about Richard Thompson. If you don't, you missed the big picture. Oh, he can read music too.
I grew up with story songs so I love this. Great job ... again. (as you can see, I found Richard! :) The changing time signatures along with the change in tempi he uses adds so much depth.
Oh that song pulls my heart strings.
Hold a stage for five minutes? How many times have we seen him hold a stage and sn audience completely unassisted for 3 hours?
Thank you so much for your analysis of one of the greatest songs by maybe the greatest singer/songwriter to ever live. You hit all the main aspects of this performance. Thank you again! I hope you never stop reviewing the music of our world.
Another classic that further proves Richards amazing skills , lyrically and guitar mastery.. Good post there Fil digging in East Texas..
This wonderful and very enlightening. I've always liked all kinds of music. When I was a kid people bullied me for this.
Seeing this for the first time in February 2020 since it came in my feed and this must have been the time just before I discovered your channel. No, I didn't know who Richard Thompson was but since it was your channel, I watched the song and read the comments. Oh, yeah, Fairport Convention. Had some of their albums since they really impressed me, but I must have not put his name with the band. What a song, especially since he had a redheaded lady listening and doing everything possible to not join in. Don't know how she held herself back. Reminds me of Jesse Winchester singing a song and the lady next to him was crying it was so beautiful. Music is such a beautiful journey and this was a great trip.
Thanks, see you at the next one, or one of the last ones, since they are so interesting.
I was going to ask you to analyze Richard when I found this. Brilliant!!
He should be spoken about in the same terms as Clapton, Page, Beck et al.
For my money he’s just as inventive and brilliant in his playing as the best of the best.
Acoustic or electric, RT is one of the true greats.
Thanks for this video!
I have been around Richards music as far back as I can remember. he did several in store shows at my dad's record store in Colorado and was lucky enough to get to go on most of the mirror blue tour in the early 90s some of the best live shows I've ever seen.
Cool!
I am gobsmacked! I had just finished watching your review of Bonnie Raitt (which was great) and it came to mind that it woulb be great to hear you react to Richard Thompson (black Lightening) and put in a comment to that .. only to notice in the right column that you had done the one above . Much enjoyed it ... Thompson is one of my to ten favorites! Such a nice job you do. Thank you.
Thanks so much for this! I always thought RT could have been a superstar ala Clapton and so many more that mostly copied American blues, but I admire him more so for being quintessentially British and staying with his roots.
No problem!
hey, Fil, i commented in another video and asked you about a RT analysis but i should have just looked it up! my bad! excellent analysis as always! this man is a true artist! thanks, Fil for all the work u put into these videos!
Found it! Thx! I first heard RT when Rumor and Sigh came out. Terry Gross interviewed him on Fresh Air - NPR. I've lost track of how many times I've heard him live since then. He likes Portland. Lucky us! Thanks, Fil!
This is like a whole big movie condensed into one little song. So skillfully, beautifully played & sung! LOVE how you caught the "acceleration", the character of his vocals and the power of his lyrics.
Thanks!
That was nicely described! Richard does paint a picture doesn't he?
Excellent, as usual, Fil!
& Cheers on 30k.
Thanks Ric!
That song is an absolute, all-time CLASSIC! Love it so much! Brings back so many memories! :D
Great video Fil..I've never heard of this artist but I will be checking out his music..great guitar playing and unique voice..I liked this even tho it's not necessarily what I tend to listen to..thanks!
It's nice to see a lot of folks commenting here have had the pleasure, and I'm sure in some cases the surprise, of seen Richard live and like myself come away with the same impression: he is a colossally talented guitar player as well as song writer. His electric playing is spellbinding, more for it's musicality and originality than it's virtuosity per se. The only other players I've seen personally in his league are The Edge, Niel Young and Jerry Garcia.
I was going to suggest this exact song! Good thing I searched first! I love all of your videos. This is # 1 for me and has been ever since it came out. Richard Thompson's Guitar work is incredible. SO many times it sounds like more than 1 player. Leo Kottke is my other favorite artist and he has sounded like at least 2 guitar players on many tracks. Your analysis of Kottke is awesome too! I just listened to your cover of "More than Words" BtW - you are an amazing artist in your own right, Phil. Thank you for the hours of pleasure you have brought me!
Thanks for the kind words!
RT is fantastic live, a real joy to watch and also to listen to his chat between songs - a truly witty man. His electric playing is wonderfully restrained and economical - just listen to the outro of 'Why must I plead' from the Rumour and Sigh album, no fireworks or showing off, just pure emotion.
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Thanks for bringing up Why Must I Plead. RT's playing at the end of that is one of the best things ever. So tasty and full of feeling!
LOL! I'm in the Wonderful Land of South Oz and made two posts only minutes ago... and you've already 'loved' (or as they say nowadays, 'hearted') them! I can't help but think of you as a friend... even though I'm in my late sixties and you're apparently so much younger! But you still seem to love the music that I grew up listening to! Thank you, Wings of Pegasus, for keeping me comany in my declining years! :D
A classic ballad in the classic tradition. I've seen him do this song dozens of times and it's never the same way twice.Listen closely, the main riff is a motorcycle starting.
Fil makes such great songs even more interesting. Thank you so much, Fil !
No problem!
And I'm gonna see him next week 1/14/23 ish Montclair NJ . Can't wait!
And there it is! Great analysis. Thank you. I'd be interested in your take on his electric playing.
Thanks!
Excellent! So glad you did a vid on the incomparable Richard Thompson!
No problem!
I really got into this one. It was fantastic! I'll be listening to a lot more of him.
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such a great player... love listening to him anytime !!! ty.
No problem!
Great pick Fil! It's been over 20 years since I last listened to him. Right when I saw his name I got excited. He is all around impressive!
Cool!
This is great. Another artist I've heard but not really listened to. I was riveted, thanks, Fil!
Cool!
It's been almost thirty years since I last saw Richard. He was playing with a full band, and several times during the set I thought he's frighteningly good. Richard doesn't drown his playing in effects but he can conjure up savage emotion or tragedy. Love his distinctive baritone. In a class of his own!
I’ve seen him pretty consistently for more than 30years and i must say he’s gotten even better through the years. hard to believe but, true.
I have listened to Richard for many years now. I first purchased the "Shoot Out The Lights" album that he and his ex released. I really like his music; playing on acoustic and electric guitar, singing, and songwriting. He is an excellent entertainer!
Cool!
I cannot think of a player I like more on acoustic guitar than Richard Thompson. He's a legend and quite the songwriter too! This performance was at a songwriter's showcase with Suzanne Vega and Loudon Wainwright up there with him on stage. I get tears in my eyes with this song!
"... doesn't try to melt people's faces with his voice"!! Ha ha! Love how you give us a deeply insightful musical education, Fil, the kind we'd never get from college courses. I'm 74 now, and was asked to sing for three bands of Seattle friends in my 20s and 30s--but never had enough confidence (guts) to do it. I respect musicians who have enough love of the art to "do it" and love your 'curriculum.'
am so glad you highlight how a persons vocals mesh with their playing style....this is so true
one without the other is not the same..started to name a few examples but then thought....heck there are to many to mention
Yeah!
A heart needs a home. LOTS of heart lives right here in this song.
Thanks Fil another brilliant musician and storyteller I wasn't fully aware of. I can clearly see your a lover of all genre's especially strings. I was wondering ( more hopeing) you could do a video on The Gloaming? There's a stunning live performance of the sailors bonnet where the fiddle player Martin Hayes plays for 10minutes + and doesn't miss a note! Shine on Fil...
Thanks!
Another fun one for you to have a go at might be Richard's version of "Oops, I Did It Again" from his 1000 Years of Popular Music show, where he puts a bit of a 16th Century spin on it before it's all said and done.
I’ve been hoping you’d feature Richard Thompson. Thanks!
No problem!
Thank you! RT is such a great artist.
No problem!
that was so good, it actually broke wainrights heart that night..
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@@wingsofpegasus Wainwright has two 'W's!
The skills and talent of RT never fails to amaze! Seen him twice acoustic solo, waiting for the chance to see him electric. Great channel BTW, new subscriber 👍
Thanks!
Always enjoyed his work. He put out a how to cd awhile ago that was both inspiring and frightening. The Guitar Of Richard Thompson - 8 Classic Songs, it included his explanation of the tunings arrangements bends trills everything, along with sheet music and tabs. I wanted to learn how to play "I want to see the bright lights" One of the 8 songs he taught went over. Never really played it well but sure taught me to appreciate his work more. If you can find it someplace pick it up, a really insight into how he plays
Richard is a great vocalist, people tend to focus on his brilliance in guitar playing. And artist beyond most. Words can`t describe RT. Go to ant concert with him and live happily and content ever after.
Can't believe I missed this for so long Richard's my hero the totality of cool the guitarists guitarist my soundtrack for breakups heartbreak the death of dear friends and the birth of other dear ones Thompson covers it all and then some I don't even think Dylan
goes as deep and raw Richard's deep man and a perfectionist and musicologist the real deal
Love the vids! Strangely have been learning this tune for the last week... there are a few more raucous versions by richard on youtube
Cool!
I've seen Richard perform about a dozen times. He does this tune at almost every concert and it's always great but I saw him do it at The Troubadour one night and it was devastating. As classic as this song always is, that night it was transcendent.
i discovered Richard T back in 1980 , he has been consistently outstanding !
how about a video on Jimmy Capps?
WOW! Im inspired...a new tune for my run down along the river with my GSD, thank-you Fil:)
No problem!
I've been mostly a metalhead for as long as I can remember, and then I stumbled upon this song by chance and was instantly in love with it. Been down a deep folk rabbit hole since then and discovered so much music by artists I never knew I liked. Sean Rowe does an amazing version of this song too, check it out if you haven't yet and maybe even a well deserved "British guitarist reacts" video on it!
🎸🎼🤘 great video 🤘🎼🎸
really great guitar technic
cheeersss 🤘
Thanks!
A treasure to our world.
Totally one of my faves...Wall of Death...oh my....
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Seen him live a few times now with both his electric trio and solo acoustic. He never plays anything the same twice which makes his songs hard to learn but great to listen to.
Cool!
My hat's off to you Richard, a unique and distinctive British music man, love ya!
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I have loved Richard Thompson since his days with Fairport Convention, with his wife Linda. I still love Richard and his band on his Shoot Out The Lights album. I recently watched a documentary about rockabilly and lo and behold Thompson is somewhat of a historian and his insights were were fantastic. Thank you Fil for analyzing this amazing guitarist who in my opinion gets overlooked for his amazing skill. Nobody plays like he does. Thompson has a pretty wide vocabulary, and of course an author is only as good as the words that he knows.
No problem!
Scott mcgregor, check out his 1000 Years of Popular Music Set
He definitely has his own sound and technique,i can tell his solos after about two notes,lol