Always more of a cult hero than a commercial success, Richard Thompson was once described by John Peel as “the best-kept secret in music”.
To those in the know, however, the Londoner is one of the world’s greatest guitar players and a master singer-songwriter.
As one of the founding members of Fairport Convention, he essentially invented the folk-rock genre and, at 66, continues to create critically acclaimed music as a solo artist. Recent album Still, produced by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, ranks among his finest records and last night the Royal Festival Hall was packed to the rafters with die-hard Thommo fans.
Dressed in trademark black beret, he began with the anti-establishment anthem That’s Enough, joined by his daughter Kami on backing vocals.
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Following this, All Buttoned Up was a mass of spidery solos and sexual frustration. "She changes with the weather, she keeps her knees together," he sang backed by a dynamic drummer and bassist. Thompson’s weapon of choice was his trusty Fender Stratocaster, from which he teased a series of spellbinding solos, but he was equally effective in acoustic mode; 1952 Vincent Black Lightning was a showcase for his fluid finger-picking.
While his guitar playing is spectacular, Thompson’s powerful voice is also in fine working order. A full-throated rendition of Meet on the Ledge, a favourite from his Fairport Convention days, was one of the evening's many highlights.
Jazzier tendencies were indulged on the Django Reinhardt-influenced Beatnik Walking while Guitar Heroes saw Thompson compare himself unfavourably with his musical influences. “I stand on the stage and I do my stuff, and maybe it’s good but it’s never good enough,” he sang, a master craftsman still striving for perfection. There were moments last night when he touched it.
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