RICHARD THOMPSON

Every month we get inside the mind of one of the biggest names in music. This issue it’s Richard Thompson. Best known for co-founding Fairport Convention in the 60s, the British singer and guitarist has gone on to enjoy a successful solo career with his distinctive brand of progressive folk and was even awarded an OBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 2011. His latest release, Ship To Shore, finds him seeking inspiration from a diverse array of genres and styles. He looks back over his storied career so far and reveals why he has no interest in sitting on his laurels.

Paul Sexton

From the very first mentions in the British music press of a young co-founder of Fairport Convention, Richard John Thompson was described as a teenage prodigy. A summer 1968 reference to the Notting Hill native in Beat Instrumental, just after the release of the groundbreaking folk band’s debut album, said the lead guitarist was “reckoned by many to be the best in the country” and that “with little apparent effort he will switch in a flash from rhythm chords to a searing, wholly-integrated solo”. Soon that magazine’s Rick Sanders (not to be confused with later Fairport member Ric) was stating that “at the age of 19, he’s right up there with the heroes”. More than 55 years later, Thompson’s status as one of the great players of his, or any…

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Prog Italia (Digital) - 1 Issue, Issue 151

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