In this engaging discussion, Richard Thompson, a London-born guitar virtuoso and former member of Fairport Convention, shares his passion for traditional Scottish music and his innovative reworking of old folk tunes. He reminisces about his early days, including playing alongside Jimi Hendrix, and breaks down the unique elements of Scottish melodies. Richard also explores the intricacies of songwriting and instrumental techniques, revealing how personal experiences and diverse influences shape his musical identity.
Richard Thompson's career highlights include his influential contribution to Fairport Convention and collaborations that shaped modern folk-rock music.
His deep connection to traditional Scottish music informs his unique guitar style, utilizing techniques like Dadgad tuning to marry old and new sounds.
Thompson emphasizes the significance of songwriting tailored to vocalists, ensuring that narratives reflect both personal and historical complexities while resonating with audiences.
Deep dives
Richard Thompson's Musical Journey
Richard Thompson's career began in 1967 with Fairport Convention, a significant band in the folk-rock movement. Over the years, he collaborated with his wife, Linda Thompson, releasing influential albums such as 'I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight' which demonstrated their unique blend of traditional folk and contemporary musical styles. As a solo artist, Thompson gained acclaim for his songwriting, with his music being covered by famous artists including Robert Plant and Elvis Costello. This journey reflects his deep connections to both pop culture and traditional music, showcasing his dual influence as both an innovator and a historian of musical genres.
Exploration of Traditional Scottish Music
Thompson discusses his profound attachment to traditional Scottish music and its rich history, learning from various resources, including libraries and interactions with folk music collectors. He mentions the Social Sharp House in London, a significant place for discovering music, which houses collections like the Child Ballads, crucial for understanding the breadth of English and Scottish folk songs. His investigation into folk music traditions reveals that old songs often possess an inherent complexity that resonates with modern audiences and complements contemporary interpretations. By blending traditional narratives with modern sensibilities, Thompson brings new life to folk music, emphasizing its relevance even today.
Musical Techniques and Guitar Style
Thompson's unique guitar style is heavily influenced by traditional Scottish sounds, incorporating techniques like open tunings and drone notes common in folk music. He employs Dadgad tuning to achieve a sound that resonates with the melodies of traditional ballads while maintaining an electric treatment suitable for rock settings. Furthermore, the use of suspensions instead of standard resolutions in his music underscores a thematic connection to the past, blending old traditions with new musical expressions. This approach not only enhances his guitar playing but also allows him to craft songs filled with emotional depth and historical resonance.
Collaboration and Crafting Songs
When writing songs, Thompson emphasizes the importance of tailoring music for specific vocalists, as seen in his collaborations with Sandy Denny and Linda Thompson. He points out that understanding a singer's capabilities allows him to create songs that effectively utilize their vocal range, enhancing the overall performance. This collaborative nature extends to ongoing conversations with fellow musicians and songwriters, allowing for the exchange of ideas and lyrical depth. The experience of writing songs over decades has reinforced his belief that the narratives in his music often reflect personal and historical complexities while appealing to a broader audience.
Reflecting on Influences and Performance
Thompson reflects on his early influences, including guitar legends and the vibrant music scene of 1960s London, which played a critical role in shaping his musical identity. He recalls performing alongside Jimi Hendrix in intimate settings, an encounter that added to his understanding of performance dynamics and stage presence. Live performances remain central to his artistry, providing an interactive space for his musical expression and audience connection. Ultimately, Thompson’s performance philosophy revolves around improvisation, allowing him to engage creatively with each audience while delivering distinct interpretations of his songs.
Richard Thompson is a London-born guitar virtuoso whose career started in 1967 as part of the groundbreaking folk band Fairport Convention. The following decade Richard formed a duo with his former wife Linda Thompson, and together they released six albums, including the critically acclaimed, I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight. Richard then struck out on his own, writing songs that have since been covered by artists like Robert Plant, Elvis Costello and Bonnie Raitt.
On today’s episode Bruce Headlam talks to Richard about his love of traditional Scottish music, and how he’s reworked old folk songs over the years. Richard also plays examples of his unique playing style on the guitar and talks about the time he played alongside Jimi Hendrix.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Richard Thompson songs HERE.
