Guitarist Thompson set to roll back the years

Jan 13 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

FOLK rock legend Richard Thompson (right) will kick-start Perthshire’s live activities when he plays a Concert Hall date next week.

The veteran guitar genius is bringing his 1000 Years of Popular Music UK tour to the Perth venue on January 22 - and fans can expect a few surprises.

Thompson (59) was famously named among the top 20 axemeisters in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time, but that won’t stop him rolling out a few unlikely covers at PCH.

His latest live project, which has already gone down a storm with audiences in the USA and London, comprises a journey from the ballads of the early middle ages, right through to modern songs.

Works by artists as varied as Nat King Cole, Nelly Furtado, Gilbert & Sullivan, Prince and The Who regularly feature in Thompson’s 1000 Years sets, as well as less likely selections such as his unique version of the Britney Spears hit, Oops! I Did It Again.

Thompson, who has picked up an Orville H Gibson award for his virtuoso acoustic guitar playing and an Ivor Novello for songwriting, made his debut as a recording artist as a member of folk-rock pioneers Fairport Convention way back in 1967.

He was given a lifetime achievement award from BBC Radio Two in 2006, and artists who have covered his songs include REM, Bonnie Raitt, Elvis Costello, The Corrs, Shawn Colvin and The Blind Boys Of Alabama.

Displaying his trademark humour, 1000 Years was conceived by Thompson as his own succinct take on the best song of the past millennium.

Capable of juggling simultaneous lead, rhythm, and bass parts on the same six strings, Thompson brings his own personal slant to all the songs he presents in a show that is being billed as enlightening, provocative and witty - if somewhat eccentric - all at once.

Thompson’s three-piece touring outfit is made up by pianist Judith Owen and percussionist Debra Dobkin - with both also providing backing vocals.

Tickets for the gig, which starts at 7.30pm, are available from the Mill Street venue.