Richard Thompson, one of England’s most respected guitarists and songwriters, (and of course t5m favourite Teddy Thompson’s father) will perform the first of two concerts at the Barbican this evening, ‘1000 Years of Popular Music’
Inspired back in 1999 by a request from Playboy to compile a list of the “top 10 songs of the millennium,” Thompson’s intriguing project encompasses the best sounds of his era. From medieval ballads through to Victorian music-hall and Britney Spears, all is rendered infallibly into Thompson’s distinctive timbre.
Thompson first found musical acclaim in 1967, when folk-rock band Fairport Convention were offered a recording contract on the basis of his sophisticated guitar solo. His extraordinary talent has been acknowledged by both an Ivor Novello Award For Songwriting and the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. He’s also been named as one of the top 20 guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone.
It was a pioneering, troubadour spirit that brought him so far, and it is that same spirit that brings him to the Barbican stage tonight. Expect unprecedented eclecticism and superb musicianship.
