After heading over to Bridgnorth for Richard Thompson’s ShireFolk concert (supported by Danny Bradley), Ron Kill gives us his review.
Danny Bradley © Ron Kill
Exquisite guitar technique, well-crafted songs and an incredible vocal performance. And this was the support act.
Danny Bradley from Liverpool is a name to look out for. He began with an A cappella song: a sweet voice with a several-octave range which grabbed the attention of this packed 400 plus crowd immediately. His guitar playing is equally impressive, using DADGAD, open D and open C tunings (I had to ask him afterwards!) he caresses the strings to create a sound all his own. He was promoting a new album of great songs. Catch him if you can.
Visit Danny Bradley’s Website at dannybradleymusic.com
When Richard Thompson takes to the stage you can feel the love in the audience and his aura has not diminished over the years. And nor has his guitar playing.
In just over 90 minutes he gave us many from his incredible back catalogue of songs including Saving the Good Stuff For You, Pharaoh, Down Where the Drunkards Roll, Walking the Long Miles Home and many others. All through Richard also entertained us with his usual banter and stories – apparently Long Miles Home came from his days of going to the Marquee club on a school night and missing the last bus home.
Of course, we also had the crowd favourites, 1952 Vincent Black Lightening and a spell-binding version of Beeswing, which, fortunately, he never seems to tire of playing and still manages to go to new places on the fretboard within the song.
Two thirds of the way through he brought on Zara Phillips to add backing vocals. This allowed them to introduce some material from the new band album (released September 25th or was it 24th!) and re-visit some Richard and Linda Thompson classics, including a stomping version of I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight.
Turning the clock right back he encored with Fairport’s Meet on the Ledge and brought Zara back on for Richard and Linda’s Wall of Death to leave a very happy crowd.
Find Richard Thompson at www.richardthompson-music.com
Richard Thompson and Zara Phillips © Ron Kill
A final note of thanks to ShireFolk (Westley and Jen) for the professionalism of the gig and for being so welcoming.
You can check out ShireFolk’s upcoming concerts by visiting their website at shirefolk.co.uk
