Richard Thompson: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

[@richalderson6069]

The ultimate Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist. Doesn't get much better than this genius.

[@joriszsz95]

What about Bob ?

[@richalderson6069]

@@joriszsz95 Bob is the ultimate Singer/Songwriter but not guitarist. Richard Thompson is a triple threat genius, he's the British Bob for me and a real guitar hero as well.

[@honeychurchgipsy6]

@@richalderson6069 - so true - Triple Threat - I like that!!

[@kurttimothy139]

Know that well! Met him backstage in Chicago & he was SO COOL signed my "Small Town Romance". Long Live RT!!!!

[@raktimparashar]

What about me?

[@ppierquet1]

Oh my, nobody is as authentic as Richard Thompson, his guitar work is sublime, his songs and lyrics prescient. Love his work; no one compares.

[@lisanewsome8336]

uet

[@balddonaldcerrone7930]

Patrick Pierquet what the fucking are you linking this shit for

[@iangray7410]

Well, let's say "few" compare. Paul Simon leaps to mind, as does Bruce Cockburn, Gordon Lightfoot, James Taylor...

[@ppierquet1]

@@iangray7410 Good point! I guess I was enamoured by his English accent. :-)

[@mod6462]

Gary Louris from the Jayhawks for me rivals his folk rock songwriting ability

[@sydneydwoskin4950]

still making some of my favorite music on this planet. so happy they did a tiny desk of him

[@dlswint]

Hats off to the person filming this...the shots of Richard's right hand spotlighting his hybrid picking are wonderful, especially for us fellow hybrid pickers. We love to share, and sometimes steal (the Pete Seeger "folk process," in a sense). The close-ups are amazing, as well. So appropriate, especially for music that is so close and personal.

[@colmcasey1794]

Spot on diswint.Perfect camera work on the perfect artist.Theres NOBODY comes close to RT for all round brilliance.He is also a comedian.

[@Trollificusv2]

@@colmcasey1794 Truly a very funny guy. And that pickin'! Wow. Lindsey Buckingham was good at flatpick-and-two-finger pickin' style but RT is truly the best.

[@Struinvogel]

@@Trollificusv2 Late to the party but you might wanna check out Paul Brady if you like folk music and beautiful guitars - he also uses hybrid picking :)

[@Trollificusv2]

@@Struinvogel Huh. Yeah, those are things l'm usually pretty dang familiar with after all these years. Definitely will take the recommend and thanks.

[@kevinb3812]

If you get a chance to see Richard Thompson live just do it. You Will be really impressed. I especially love his unreal acoustic playing.

[@caroljohnson8570]

Kevin B saw him live at Moseley folk and arts Festival in the UK just last weekend . Was expecting greatness - but I got more and more besides.

[@jeffreylemal7432]

Just saw him for a free concert in woodbridge nj

[@bibliona]

I just saw him last night in Edmonds, Washington. He still has the magic!!

[@fractuss]

Soon.

[@garyhosty]

A giant of guitar and song writing for decades.

[@debrabolton8509]

Sir Richard Thompson! Fabulous!

[@AQuags]

I just saw him at Fairport's 50th Anniversary Cropredy Convention, the man was on fire, he just tore the place apart. Opened up solo acoustic with a few numbers, then joined by Christine Collister for a couple more. Then he strapped on the 'strat' and was joined by Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg & Dave Mattacks. I love his 'power trio' line up, but SN, DP & DM are on another plane when it comes to musicianship. I can honestly say that it was the very best RT set/band I have seen in many, many a year, just awesome. He also played with Fairport on the Saturday night and was just stunning again, his playing on the instrumentals was out of this world.

[@kurttimothy139]

Seen RT 4 or 5 times - I don't WHOM was in his electric band, but it was the Mock Tudor tour. It was HARD ROCK and I was totally gob-smacked. Richard just can do it all, man. What an AMAZING artist!!!

[@susanhawkes2519]

Jealous! Is there a post covid Copredy?

[@AQuags]

@@susanhawkes2519 Yes, it's happening this year, 2nd weekend in August. 50th Anniversary of the Full House album will be played live, in track order, by the 'Full House' line-up. The much loved & missed Swarb will be represented by Chris Leslie.

[@Iamgratefulable]

Just saw him at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival..He is such an awesome musician! and such a quick wit....such a pleasure to hear him..

[@kerpin09]

Iamgratefulable yes. me too (at the VFF) agree completely.

[@johnroth6698]

kerpin09 (

[@MattElectricJesusHouston]

"I love kittens" Best first line in a song ever.

[@MontyCantsin5]

It's a shame this has so few views compared to other Tiny Desk performances by people who have a fraction of Thompson's talent.

[@photonotavailable7936]

My thought exactly.

[@kevinjoseph517]

201 000

[@jimforsythe3129]

Monty how judgmental of you -- you lose your banking privileges and email!😂

[@VonBlade]

If the music industry has taught us anything, it's that popularity and talent are rarely found in the same artist, or that the latter is a prerequisite for the former.

[@arthurb6882]

it doesn't really matter i don't think it's still good

[@colerainfan1143]

One of the best ever.

[@vinsamson8061]

Well I must say that has finished my weekend off very nicely indeed watching the master at work. Very well video too👌🤘🎶

[@jmorra]

"Stumble on" -- what perfection. So painfully truthful and touching.

[@kowens9046]

He's been a strong voice since my childhood, and I'm now a granny! If you want to hear a great biker love song, look for "Red Maggie". There are many covers, but his is the ONE to hear first.

[@TAndrackeH]

Do you mean "Red Molly"? The name of the song is actually, "1952 Vincent Black Lightning", and you can find him doing that solo acoustic and with band on KZbin from him and others posting it.

[@antiquefeminist]

I absolutely adore Richard Thompson.

[@writer4peace]

Richard is a gorgeous monster!! What a treasure!!!

[@wendyluek]

How could there be 7 people who gave this a thumbs down?! Feel sorry for them.

[@DavidAndrewsPEC]

Sadly some more utter philistines have added their ugly voices to that tally. I'mma go thumb it up.

[@DHudelson]

IDIOTS!!

[@TAndrackeH]

@@DHudelson Yeah, and sadly this ole world is full of them. In the big picture it must be understood that's precisely why those who are not idiots must step up, be engaged, to win back our world in all its glory for those who really appreciate and respect it and all Ma Nature's creatures (humans included).

[@larrysmac]

I'll never forget seeing an equally intimate solo acoustic RT at the Old Miners Foundry in Nevada City, CA. We could have literally reached out and shook his hand from our center front row seats. He opened the set with '52 Vincent Black Lightning.

[@mattthegreeter9074]

As a poet, he hooked me with "Dimming of the Day" and, as a biker, secured my appreciation with "1952 Vincent Black Lightning"

[@mikebumgardner9391]

I absolutely love listening to Richard Thompson. As yet (I'm a newcommer), I've only listened to the tracks off of Sweet Warrior. These are new to me. Truly 😎

[@VonBlade]

Wow. Just wait until you get to Rumour and Sigh or I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight. I'm jealous of anyone who gets to hear 1952 Vincent Black Lightning for the first time.

[@nygtheater]

Richard's right arm muscles are so amazingly big from working the guitar for decades. I saw him during a hot summer. Short sleeves. The size of the muscles are empirical evidence of his genius.

[@greenatom]

Looks like he has two superimposed right hands. Gutsy, beautiful playing.

[@royemembury6324]

I'd really love the 26 people who disliked this video to show everyone the quality and the talent of their music, lyrics and guitar playing. Please post it for us all to see.

[@jejesus]

I love him! Thanks guys. Saludos desde Mexico City.

[@dreamwell2020]

I love watching fellow humans at work - if they really know what they're doing.

[@burtons828]

awesome as always, what a master

[@robertsanantonio9559]

My favorite singer songwriter.

[@haikudairy]

I have been looking all over for a video of him performing Demons in her Dancing Shoes. Great to hear the background info about the song

[@Squidward_Tikiland]

this dude is like, the personification of an ancient redwood tree

[@stpdncr]

He’s my favorite!!!!

[@furkinfolk]

that guitar sure has done some miles, love a guitar that shows the relentless playing hours 1:50. Seen him play it a couple of times and feel blessed

[@BeeDubDakota]

"Spread it as wide as you can to feel the benefit of my plan". whoah!

[@caiusKeys]

What a talented dude!

[@stuartsmith5146]

Life seems so rosy in the cradle.

[@alistairewen7005]

think maybe you should listen to more of his songs

[@snafujag100]

Genius.That is all.

[@Crashoverall]

he plays a freaking mean guitar.

[@JerodimusPrime]

I know exactly what u mean, I'm supposed to be working while passively listening to music, I end up watching the vid on youtube.

[@mattthegreeter9074]

His note choice on Stumble On really catches the guts 5:53

[@4BeeP]

He has a really young voice, if you know what I mean. :-)

[@oliverk191]

Groove often gets lost and forgotten, not with this man

[@warvandal3443]

I hear elements of Soft Machines' 'Love Letter' in Richard's Money Shuffle.

[@04washere]

I believe you mean 52 Vincent Black Lightning.

[@tonifrancis2189]

RT - minstrel extraordinaire of our time

[@Grovesgeo]

I have seen him from this close ( maybe 3 more feet) at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley.2 1/2 hrs of free form request only songs .

[@ronsando2205]

what a master!

[@MartinBaldock]

Wow!

[@PearlOfTheQuarter23]

It’s punk rock!

[@LifeGetsBetterDayByDay]

wow

[@kowens9046]

Yes, I do. Thank you! It's a great song, ( I have menopausal"non-memory" these days-lol-, and the title correction is much appreciated.)

[@halcyon6387]

Yes, but do you own a non cut-out versions of "Henry, the Human Fly"? Just an old joke, we all appreciate the musician!

[@chrismullen9786]

Yes, I do. And a cut-out one Underrated album. "Roll Over Vaughn Williams" -- with a chipper opening song like that, how could it not please the masses? Love it--the antidote to all the saccharine stuff oozing from the radio then (and now). Foreshadows the technique heard here as well.

[@juliangarner56]

My copy mysteriously disappeared from my record collection in 1981. I only hope the thief enjoyed and treasured it as much as I did. The streaming apps never seem to carry it. He himself made disparaging remarks about once: but then he's always underestimated his own talent and standing in the music world.

[@coreyzimmerman9782]

The songs very reminiscent of Leonard Cohen.

[@PDZ1122]

52 Vincent. Come on!?!

[@missinglowell]

riveting. hilarious. more intoxicating than any drink i ever had ~ and i've been sober 8 years. hope those fingers ae INSURED. god, i'd miss 'em.

[@kylekelley3461]

can anyone give a good insight into what model guitar is being played on this? sounds brilliant and round.

[@jonparsons1832]

Richard plays Lowden guitars

[@carlosadolfonavarro6602]

Capoooooo

[@vJackaRoo]

The real thing

[@srqpdq6697]

ANy idea what guitar he's using ?

[@MontyCantsin5]

Thompson uses Lowden acoustic guitars.

[@sucote100]

Olhem á esquerda e vejam; um disco do Tom Zé!

[@miguelpereira7934]

Jason Molina brought me here..............

[@jaslinc3371]

A.I. G. (used to be?)

[@einalteshemd]

you have to be insane to write and like these songs

[@honeychurchgipsy6]

Bahnhofskneipe - really, why???

[@07clemsontigers]

Less QQ please. Typical liberal dribble.

[@johngibbs799]

Has few views because of blank space, 30 seconds at beginning 😇

[@obscurebandfan]

Richard Thompson is so about the music, it's beautiful.

[@gabridelux453]

wow

[@gibby6904]

Amazing musician/songwriter....a legend.....founding member of Fairport Convention.......a legendary and still active band! A guitar players player

[@philwill2010]

Richard Thompson is my most favorite musician in the world.

[@rickbullock4331]

Super talented guy. Love his guitar playing. His Vincent Black Lightning 1952 song is terrific to my ears.

[@cmshuf]

It's great because it's real. Even to someone new to his work, like myself, it's easy to tell he's entirely sincere. He's pouring out his soul in his music, and it's every bit as powerful as it is beautiful. Thank you, NPR music.

[@naturphilosophie1]

his guitar playing has so much dimension, his arrangements always interesting and his technique as clean as it can get. great guitar player.

[@DHudelson]

...Whether acoustic or electric. Most unique player ever, with so much passion that has not faded at all over the many years. Not fair then, that his lyrics and singing are also the stuff of legend.

[@JM-Roslyn]

perfectly described

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

@@JM-Roslyn Heart breaking voice.

[@frankyh101]

these tiny desk concerts have introduced me to some fantastic song writers

[@MattHerrettMusic]

That would be Vincent Black Lightning 1952. Great tune.

[@ShadowWizard123]

I feel like if he keeps practicing, he could be a decent guitar player.

[@susanhawkes2519]

With those 11 fingers, why not?

[@johnm4172]

This man is magnificent, The end.

[@LeadMe2TheBliss]

Absolute Rock God. I would bow down to this man if I ever came across met him.

[@davidurciuoli8594]

I stood in front of him at Finger Prints Long Beach record store. Too close to make a request but close enough to count his liver spots on his hands. Decades of great music.

[@lindaturgeon1618]

Wonderful, love his music and unique style!🎉

[@tigq1430]

4.20.22 once again, NPR & Terry Gross enlightening, delighting & opening my eyes to the beautiful music of so many.✌💜

[@cathyanderson4645]

Such genius that pulls at one’s soul and warms the heart with a richness Of silky dreams on a satin pillow🦄🐸🐩🐩🐟🦐

[@swededen8314]

I have an old book of the greatest guitarists of all time... and Richard Thompson is in there. I hope that makes your day, buddy. xoxo

[@lbowsk]

Had the pleasure of seeing him at The Birchmere a few times in my previous life. Great then. Great now. He's a treasure.

[@caroljohnson8570]

I was at Moseley Folk and Arts festival in the UK last weekend - my hero Jake Bugg (seen on NPR previously ) was headlining the Saturday night - the next night was Don McLain headlining and THE Richard Thompson was on the bill just below Don. I always wanted to see Richard - having known he was a folk icon in the UK - and from Fairport Convention - folk band . I was not disappointed - a sheer wizard on the guitar. I can understand when he said ‘surprisingly ‘ he’s been making a living for the last 50 years doing what he does best.

[@caroljohnson8570]

Oh as an afterthought , looked him up to find he played on 2 of Nick Drakes albums

[@susanhawkes2519]

Wizard fits.

[@sibkiss2009]

This old guy is pretty good! He may have a future in show biz!

[@susanhawkes2519]

Recommend: More Guitar You, Me,Us Watching the Dark.

[@PopTodd]

So, let's get this straight: You had in Nick Lowe and then followed up with Richard Thompson, one right after another? How the HELL do I get in on this gig?!?! Nice work, folks!

[@josephobuonaccorsi4785]

Hi

[@pwilburn69ify]

Still so hot and so relevant in these times, and such a ridiculously underrated player. How I love him! 💖

[@jeffreyc.mcandrew8911]

Great guitar player!

[@allanrobins1564]

Does anybody know what mikes they use on this show? Those long ones?

[@cityzenjane2]

LEGEND

[@shankaravarma118]

This will be thom Yorke in 15 years

[@WatTyler13]

@OnePurpleCrayon You kept laughing for nearly 4 minutes?!

[@rappingcommuter3148]

My hero

[@coolcheech80]

They also kill my productivity. It's impossible to just passively listen. (Aaaand I'm replying to a year old comment.)

[@johngraziano4554]

I guess Richard does private too in public

[@bernhardlohr4662]

To see on youtube always "Vollpfosten"-dislikes like this is soooo sad... Poor people with absolutely no idea what good music is and means......... Richard Thompson is a great Singer/Songwriter -Ikone! Thanks NPR to see this guitar-hero on tiny desk concerts! B.L.,Germany

[@theniclasridiclas]

awesome

[@doreenblack8032]

I want to know the prices Price of standard Gibson acoustic guitar

[@tmcmasters8540]

Technology is it friend or foe

[@evansmith3589]

Great version!

[@sakkorig]

Richard Thompson