A tall, bereted Richard Thompson limbers onto Cardiff’s New Theatre stage to trade his trademark sardonic wit with a lively audience and share the spoils of more than five decades of folk-rock guitar virtuosity. In paying witness to his skill with the instrument, it is almost beyond belief that Thompson turned 75 in April.
Turning Of The Tide, given a ‘punk’ arrangement, is even faster than the studio cut; the fluidity, resonance, and sheer pace of Thompson’s playing, though, is most enjoyed during lengthy solo sections. Copious licks are traded with secondary guitarist and Thompson grandson Zak Hobbs – “nepotism gets you far in this band,” Richard deadpans – all the way through ferocious numbers such as Hard On Me.
An unexpected number of uptempo rockers call for some softer transitional moments, with a particularly stirring moment satisfied by Withered And Died. After cheers that the band were turning to a track from perhaps Thompson’s best-loved album, I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight, he jokes, “I wish you’d all bought it!” His time in the critical spotlight has taken longer than it should’ve. “‘All-time classic’, ‘collector’s item’… too late now!”
Originally sung by ex-wife Linda in their musical partnership, Withered…’s blues elements shine through in Richard’s sparse arrangement and world-weary delivery. Zara Philips was the perfect vocal foil for Richard this evening, striking a similar tone of romance that made those original 1970s records with Linda so particularly moving.
Of bonus value this evening is the appearance of Dave Mattacks on drums: a folk-rock legend in his own right, Mattacks played on records by Nick Drake and John Martyn, and in Fairport Convention with Richard. It’s particularly striking that the guitarist feels a duty to his old friends from the 1960s electric folk scene. Before covering John The Gun, Thompson exclaims wistfully, “Myself and Dave had the honour of working with the great Sandy Denny – it’s important to keep her music alive.”
A poignant reminder of mortality during an age-defying and energetic performance, but it’s clear Richard Thompson is on course to celebrate the English folk tradition for many years to come.
Richard Thompson, New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 4 June
words BILLY EDWARDS
