British guitarist reacts to Richard Thompson's UNIQUE story telling
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- Опубліковано 6 лис 2018
- Tonight I'm taking a look at the skills of Richard Thompson!
Original video - • Richard Thompson - 195...
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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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
My wife is a huge Richard Thompson fan and we both appreciate your reaction. Your perspective was insightful . Thank you
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
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
Beautifully done. His vocals and lyrics completely drew me in throughout. Neat story
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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.
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.
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 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".
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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I have never seen better.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
I'm glad you included this astounding performance. It's not all shredding boys and girls. Sometimes blazing talent is mellow.
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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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.
Someone else posted this:
Trying to decide if Suzanne Vega and Louden Wainwright are looking on in awe or thinking "shit we're next"!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In a category by himself!
Oh that song pulls my heart strings.
Another classic that further proves Richards amazing skills , lyrically and guitar mastery.. Good post there Fil digging in East Texas..
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....
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!
In the regular rotation on KPIG 107.5 FM, Freedom, CA in Santa Cruz County.
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!
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
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.
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?
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!
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!
A heart needs a home. LOTS of heart lives right here in this song.
Hes so good!
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 ask you to analyze Richard when I found this. Brilliant!!
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
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!
And I'm gonna see him next week 1/14/23 ish Montclair NJ . Can't wait!
This wonderful and very enlightening. I've always liked all kinds of music. When I was a kid people bullied me for this.
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!
such a great player... love listening to him anytime !!! ty.
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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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!
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!
"... 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.'
And there it is! Great analysis. Thank you. I'd be interested in your take on his electric playing.
Thanks!
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.
Excellent! So glad you did a vid on the incomparable Richard Thompson!
No problem!
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!
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!
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!
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.
This is great. Another artist I've heard but not really listened to. I was riveted, thanks, Fil!
Cool!
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!
Fil makes such great songs even more interesting. Thank you so much, Fil !
No problem!
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!
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!
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.
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
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.
Thank you! RT is such a great artist.
No problem!
I’ve been hoping you’d feature Richard Thompson. Thanks!
No problem!
My hat's off to you Richard, a unique and distinctive British music man, love ya!
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Only 651 'likes'... now 652... Mate, you're SO under-appreciated! Oh well... maybe you'll catch on eventually. There comes a time when people begin to appreciate quality over popularity. I certainly hope so anyway. Imho, you're one of the best musical analysts on YT anyway!
PS: Wonder what you'd actually make of the original (not the later versions, 'cause they get way OTT!) version of Arlo Guthrie's "Motorcycle Song"... (I'm sure you know that Arlo is the equally - if not even more - talented son of the legendary Woody Guthrie!) :D
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
🎸🎼🤘 great video 🤘🎼🎸
really great guitar technic
cheeersss 🤘
Thanks!
A treasure to our world.
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.
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!
It’s the deeeeeeep English folk music influence. As Martin Carthy would say, all English folk song is in 1:4 so you can serve the song.
Brilliant. Thank you, excellent.
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!
Discovered Richard Thompson by accident in 1986 working q/c at a cassette duplicating company. One of the promo tapes had his song ‘Valerie’ on it, and i went from there. Love his songwriting and quirky guitar parts. He may have been the first too with that out of phase strat sound. Thx for this one!
Cool!
I saw RT live 30 years ago, solo, at The Graffiti here in Pittsburgh after listening to Fairport, R&L, and even a quite "yikes" thing called "The Bunch Rock On" for several years. That is still one of the best shows I've ever attended. Thanks for reminding me how much I love his voice, his picking, and his storytelling. Excuse me now, while I go off and try to remember how to play Man In Need, Wall of Death, and Just the Motion again.
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Very enjoyable !!!
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