Richard Thompson / Symphony Hall / Birmingham

Jun 5

Jun 5 Richard Thompson / Symphony Hall / Birmingham

A trip from East to West Midlands and to the magnificent Symphony Hall in Birmingham to see Richard Thompson on his “Ship to Shore” 2024 tour.

First up on stage we had a short half hour set from singer/songwriter Jim Moray. His most recent album “Beflean” take a different slant on traditional folk music.

Walking out onto the stage, he starts the set with Lemady. Strangly as he stands there along with no guitar sounds start up and he begins singing. It looks almost like he’s texting someone or playing on a GameBoy, holding something small in his hands. Then it clicks…. It’s a small handheld looper generating the sounds. What strikes straight away is the quality of his voice.

Lord Douglas is a great example of his unique style, a reworking of a childhood ballad. I loved that the set is varied full of different styles, such as Flora, Lily Of The West, with banjo brings al element of Southern folk to the proceedings. For me the highlight of the set is a glorious rendition of Jenny of the Moor a more traditional sound from the north of Ireland, which is delicate and berautiful as it drifts around the hall.

The short set ends with a very different, and quirk track in Sounds of Earth the lyrics inspired by the true story behind the recording of the gold album of sounds, launched into space on the Voyager missions. It details the collation of sounds, classical music, sounds of the sea, and the search to find the final missing ingredient, which was the beating of a human heart, a heart in love. Not your traditional folk subject matter, but brilliantly done and a very effective (and unusual) song about love.

A thoroughly enjoyable set, and the perfect foil for what’s to come.

Setlist

Lemady

Miles Weatherhill (new song)

Lord Douglas

The Bramble Briar

Flora (The Lily Of The West) (new song)

Jenny Of The Moor

Jock O’Hazledean

Sounds Of Earth

The first time I saw Richard Thompson live, was way back in 1986 I believe, at Rock City in Nottingham sometime after the release of 1985’s album “Across a Crowded Room”. A true legend of British music, not just folk, now 75, Richard has performed with Fairport Convention, with his wife as Richard & Linda Thompson, The Albion Band, The Bunch and simply as himself. 2024 has seen the release of his latest album “Ship to Shore” a stunning release.

Richard steps out onto the stage at the Symphony Hall supported by his full live band, which includes his wife Zara Phillips on vocals and guitar, and his grandson Zak Hobbs on second guitar. The band is completed with his regular partner on bass Troy Prodannuk and former Fairport drummer Dave Mattacks.

Unmistakable in his trademark black beret and carrying his red Stratocaster, Richard Thompson gives us a set, mixing the most iconic hits from his extensive back catalogue, as well as a selection of tracks from his latest album “Ship To Shore”.

The set starts with one of those new ones, What’s Left to Lose from his latest album, and it’s clear right form the off, Richard Thompson is as creative, and inspiring now as he’s every been. The band, as you would expect from a tight-knit group are tight and solid all night, and relaxed, smiling and interacting with each other as they perform. Richard’s voice is as strong, and iconic as ever, and the new material is simply a joy to hear.

Half way through the performance, we have the highlight (for me) a solo performance of his classic track Beeswing a beautiful, tragic and moving tale of love for a woman with fire in her soul and a passion to wander and looking back wondering…. Yearning to experience those emotions just once more. Check it out if you’ve not heard it ! The reaction from the crowd is incredible, who sit in silent awe before erupting into applause at the end.

Elsewhere there’s a superb version of the Sandy Denny track John the Gun about the futility and horror of war. During this one, I sat back and realised just how incredible the sound is. The Symphony Hall has some outstanding acoustics and with his vocal tones, it feels a perfect match, and his voice seems to fill every alcove and corner of the venue.

The main set ends with Tear Stained Letter from 1983’s “Hand of Kindness”. But you can never have enough of Richard Thompson…. So the audience applaud eagerly as they step back out for an encore. Starting with a classic Richard & Linda number Dimming of the Day, and yet another highlight for me, a cover of The Byrds’ oft-covered The Bells Of Rhymney (from 1965’s Mr Tambourine Man) delivered beautifully, a mournful song about the worsening conditions for Welsh miners, through economic hardship and social unease, mine owners putting profit first with dangerous work conditions resulting in loss of life. The bells in the song, speak for the lost miners. Its stunning. (Also check out the Alarm’s version too !)

Finally, we end on Jealous Words, a fitting end to a delightful night.

Richard Thompson is an incredible artist, who has not just stood the test of time, but developed and changed with the changing times. He has the whole package, a skilled guitarist picking with finger and thumb, along with his velvety deep vocal style, and his engaging and emotional songwriting, with songs about war, love, loss, community and strength.

A thoroughly enjoyable night, and a show I want to see again, real soon.

Setlist

What's Left To Lose

Take Care the Road You Choose

Turning of the Tide

Withered and Died (Richard & Linda Thompson song)

Freeze

Hard on Me

Al Bowlly's In Heaven

The Day That I Give In

Beeswing

The Old Pack Mule