Richard Thompson - Woodstock - JM Tribute 2000

RT performing a stunning live version of Joni's 'Woodstock' on a JM Tribute in 2000.

[@tunefultony]

Sheer brilliance personified!!!! Nobody plays like Richard Thompson. He is one of the most gifted musicians, I have heard. You won't hear his songs on the radio. They are far too intelligent.

[@gringochucha]

He’s an astounding musician. Have you seen the documentary of him playing for Werner Herzog’s Grizzly Man?

[@theenglishite]

Richard Thompson is the greatest musician ever.

[@legmaker50]

Wow! He uses the same ringing sitar like technique on the song She Moves Thru The Fair. It has a mystical sound that takes this song to a whole new level. My God, what an amazing musician.

[@nexioseptimus5099]

'Woodstock' was meant to be played that night by Stone Temple Pilots - sounds like a joke but it's not, google "Stone Temple Pilots Nix Mitchell Tribute" - but they backed out at the last minute when their singer blew out his voice doing three concerts in one day. Richard Thompson, who was already doing two other songs that night, offered to step in and play 'Woodstock'... and then casually cranked out this stunning version of a great JM song. Serious respect.

[@ElizabethStJohnRamirez]

So cool, thank for sharing!

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

That’s who he is - amazing.

[@tomlugnut]

Can't this site give more than 5 Stars?! He's just so damn good. I'm intoxicated on his duet with his son singing persuasion. Never to be heard on US radio.

[@cindizanki6064]

Wow! I've seen him over 50 times and never has he done this. Thanks! Lovley and briliant. RT is one of the great guitar artist of our time.

[@OneBigRetard]

But the genius here is in delivery. RT is an improvisational musician. He got told he was doing this on the night. Joni's genius was in writing this wonderful tune. RT's genius was in knocking out this breath taking performance. For musicians like him, each performance is a work of art, it is in the nature of improvisation. The guitar is exquisite in this rendition.

[@manthasagittarius1]

When you can spin out a completely new, musically and "of its time" perfect, version of a song this well known it's not because you know the music or even have mastered the music. It's because you are the music.

[@BrooksSmithMusic]

He pulled this off on live television after the Stone Temple Pilots no-showed. The promoters desperately needed to fill that time slot, and Richard was the only one who could walk out there and do another Joni song off the top of his head. It's unbelievable.

[@MrDallman]

I’m Speechless....the one and only RT.

[@19babyjack55]

I, too, have had the good fortune of seeing, hearing, experiencing this man play live. What a gift!

[@mikemc5694]

Reminder of what a fantastic guitarist he's always been.

[@brendanseanbarry]

I have just become a huge Richard Thompson fan. This performance is proof of his genius. Forgive me for not realising it sooner.

[@jwaldhelm]

Brendan Barry - he has a huge solo catalog, too many great ones to even attempt to list.

[@PeteD1884]

The best version of this song I've heard.

[@figgi78]

Oh, isn't that beautiful at the end, when Joni praises him and he blushes!

[@jhankri]

Every time I've seen RT live, I am just blown away by his brilliance.

[@persevere67]

this performance gives me the chills, love this mans voice,

[@gordonsmeaton3229]

It is rare that a new version of a song actually helps to improve the enjoyment of the original. That is the case here - an incredible performance by Richard Thompson.

[@zendyk]

This isn't a new version. This is actually the original version, as written by Joni Mitchell.

[@honeychurchgipsy6]

Zendyk - if you can't tell the difference between RT's rendition of this classic, and Joni's then you might need to get your ears washed out - lol!

[@patmcpee]

Hey, peoples- Lighten up on Mr. Gordon. Is this Joni’s version? No. But I highly doubt that even JONI wanted to hear “Joni’s version.” Richard gave a fine rendition with his smooth vocals, that accent and the tasty flourishing guitar riffs (and in all honesty, I must add, that he’s never really been my cup of tea. But those stats just improved a couple of minutes ago!). CSN’ version was different. So was Eva Cassidy’s and I just now found a version by Matthew’s Southern Comfort, whose harmonies would give even CSN a run for their money. Also- MSC’s version was the only one that made it to the top of the charts (UK). Anyway- I liked Richard’s respectful homage a lot- and more importantly... so did Ms. Joni Mitchell!

[@tonidavey5784]

This tribute is spot on. I never gets old. Heed the words......

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

Looks like Joni really liked it. I hope so. Two of my favorite singer-songwriters. Nice job, Mr. Thompson!

[@alancumming6407]

Well done Richard, our national treasure! A great version of Joni's brilliant composition.

[@samueljonasson1662]

Wonderful arrangement. Entrancing and gorgeous guitar work. As always, the instrument sounds like such a natural extension of himself.

[@davidguilfoyle]

I do not care how experienced Richard Thompson is, but doing a performance of such a classic song in front of the great lady who composed and performed it originally must be a pretty nerve wracking experience. Well done to him!

[@jublaim]

His eyes at her at the end; it wasn't to bad was it, queen?

[@mesfromusa]

I love this but view that look differently. It’s a knowing glance from one great performer to another. Like, “Brilliant song, dearie. So happy to be part of this tribute.” He’s been a working musician far too long to have more butterflies than usual just because she’s watching. I have no doubt she’s an equal admirer of him.

[@ariellehart6632]

Love his version the best!

[@KenMoss]

I love that look that happened between them.

[@TomRAFC]

couldn't agree more. richard is a phenominal musician and songwriter

[@DimitrisSkl]

Joni Mitchell has closed her eyes enjoying this excellent performance of this great musician!!! Richard Thompson..... What can I say....!!

[@Lanarker]

Richard Thomson spent 3 years in "Fairport Convention". His "second coming" as a solo artist has been more than 40 years long. "Henry The Human Fly" was released in 1972. This man Richard Thomson's voice and his approach to performance is inspiring, spiritual and elevating... his guitar work fluid, simple, complex... and utterly beautiful. This version of "Woodstock" is transcendental and mystical. Joni looks very happy... and rightly so.

[@nancyl2]

This was great what the heck are you saying. The melody appears to be a tough piece and I think he was fantastic, sure did enjoy it very much. Thanks RT for your wonderful gift. It was a pleasure once again to listen to your beautiful voice and fantabulous guitar mastery. Peace and Love.

[@mesfromusa]

He's fantastic. And I love the knowing look he shoots her at the end.

[@19HurdyGurdyMan46]

There are so few who can do justice to a great Joni Mitchell song like this, can't even think of anyone off hand at the moment.But this is Mr Thompson no less who manages to touch Joni's heart with the beauty of this rendition.

[@barleycj]

Breath taking.

[@climberbob1]

I love how he captures the 'haunting' tone of Joni's original version on the piano, and the open tuning. Clean and crisp!

[@cormacmacassery4702]

I think he conveys a lot of the nuances from that piano performance (BBC?) in his cover.

[@tdbsnr]

Stunning.

[@lindsayheywood7195]

What a fantastic guitar arrangement!

[@chinzebo]

Isn't this haunting and lovely..I'm thrilled you posted this for all of us to hear!!

[@mossrun]

Don't Joni still look beautiful. 47 years ago she wrote this song!

[@suzannelawson9215]

This is an absolute incredible cover of this beautiful song. Very often I don't always like the version of a cover that I have heard hundreds of times by the original artist (in this case Joni Mitchell). But....wow! Richard does one hell of a cover and no disrespect to Joni but I think I like Richard's cover even more. It's Richard's vocals, arrangement and guitar that is amazing!

[@liegebricking]

Agree

[@alancumming6407]

I don't think i've heard a bad cover of Woodstock. It shows what a superb songsmith Joni Mitchell is.

[@rgervasio922]

One of the greatest covers of any song, by any artist of any other artist. A few thoughts: Joni has gone on record as saying that "Woodstock" is the one song she was most proud of for having written it. Just think about that. And here comes this British guy, not VERY well known to an American tv audience, to play it with Joni herself in the audience. And apparently he was a last-minute stand-in for the Stone Temple Pilots, so he hadn't loads of time to rehearse. And he plays this. HOME-FREAKIN'-RUN. Cutaways to Joni show her looking a bit askance at first, then ultimately transported--the ultimate compliment to Richard's performance. While you're at it, Richard, why not play Highway 61 Revisited for Dylan? Or Hey Jude for McCartney?

[@mesfromusa]

With all due respect, Joni Mitchell knows, of course, who he is and just how good a musician he is, and she's hardly "looking a bit askance." If anything, she's gearing up for what she's sure will be a transportive experience. Aside from that, I agree with you: He hits it out of the ballpark.

[@mikewilliams258]

At no point does she look "askance", as you put it. People's inability to correctly interpret facial expressions and body language never ceases to amaze me.

[@tamartin64]

He's been an awesome solo act for nearly three decades. You need to get the box set.

[@plgplgplg]

Freakin Excellent!!! Had Joni trancing there.

[@marziacaselli3967]

His performance is really stunning to me, and I love the original version by Joni!

[@Pragjag]

I love that look on his face at the end! RT is usually so self-effacing, but he knew that he had nailed that one.

[@jackal59]

Spontaneous virtuosity, totally free of pretense.

[@OneBigRetard]

Never seen him so proud

[@donegan2212]

great He is just great what a talent

[@milesgma]

thank you a million times for posting this. he is magic.

[@joannmoran8513]

Saw this gentleman many times and was never disappointed. Sheer genius.

[@xstuporman]

Wow! Richard Thompson should be the dictionary definition of unique!

[@writer4peace]

Thanks for posting this. Love Richard & Joni....

[@TheNigelr]

Stunning interpretation; to be expected, really.......

[@roberthadesman7956]

Just spectacular!

[@whatbut]

Beautiful performance

[@jinjocat]

Whoa! Just noticed Richard is actually proper fingerpicking this, not hybrid picking, as he normally does!! Wow, RT can do anything!

[@tdavey59]

A brilliant tribute...

[@mirrorblue100]

This man makes time stand still...

[@keyehaw]

He was asked at the very last minute to fill in for Stone Temple Pilots, who were supposed to do this but backed out. He didn't know the chords but knew the words and melody. What you are seeing is completely improvised.

[@smartalek1]

Wow. Just... wow. Haven't listened to every track of this show yet, but so far, this one's by far the most impressive (to these ears; ymmv of course). Totally true to the song, but totally different take on it. Sounds like he's emphasizing the timeless "folksong" nature of it.

[@EricCRash]

I always loved the a cappella version he used to do back in the 80's with his band, but I think I like this even more. Which makes sense - everything's better with RT on guitar!

[@dubiousraves]

Phenomenal

[@bathsheba56]

Richard is amazing. And so is Joni. I like the first shot of her; she is paying attention to him as a musician, and then the second shot, just letting her own song , forty years plus on, run through her. Maybe presumptuous of me, I dunno.

[@momoec]

chillingly awesome!!!

[@tonidavey5784]

I love this so much

[@randolphscott3361]

Its just fucking beautiful isn’t it.

[@cherylbeee]

and brilliant

[@johnroberts5487]

Superb

[@JasonUmbrellabird]

Yeah, a definite teary moment. I almost went too.

[@driverain2]

ateacher of teachers......absolutely beautiful.......

[@ASpanishguy]

what a nice voice

[@oliverk191]

Joni's face said it all

[@gmont50]

One of the Best playing now !!!

[@Pragjag]

Wow! I have an audio version of this, but didn't realise until now that not only did he have to perform this un-rehearsed, but Joni was sitting a few metres away watching him.

[@ianfry5646]

gorgeous!...

[@tdavey59]

perfection .. for me...

[@flowerfarmerscott]

Wow. Just wow.

[@loveroffolkmusic]

Wonderful Arrangement!

[@555pontifex]

He's a bit tasty on the old guitar is our Richard, eh?

[@cherylbeee]

shoot out the lights...always mind bending

[@mrsterripurcell]

Lovely great version

[@tonidavey5784]

I wish I could love on here.

[@rialbification]

Fairport Convention started their recording career with a number of JM songs (Night in the City, Eastern Rain and more). Soon after Iain Matthews left Fairport, he and his band Matthews Southern Comfort had a major hit with this very JM song.

[@dustypulver1]

I seem to recall that when Matthews Southern Comfort recorded this, Fairport were involved as part of the acompanying musicians. At the time, this would have included RT.

[@picnicpointopenmic572]

Always loved this version.

[@gudlisner501]

Telling shot of Joni just near the end.

[@Tessietots]

I love him

[@ASTRAALLEN]

Wow. That was intense.

[@12borekent]

Richard, of "Fairport Convention" is having a second coming as a solo artiste........brilliant.

[@Shiny-Beast]

that ruled

[@siebzigfinger]

the best!!!!!

[@mylegesse]

This weeks lesson in quality music - listen

[@BillClintonn]

Sick! I hate to say it, but with a short time to plan this song, Thompson actually made a version I love more than Joni's. I mean this interpretation is overwhelming. Thompson's version is perfection.

[@abisheridee]

Woodstock !

[@Mentalfloss64]

Joni was loving it. Watch all of it.

[@34hedgehog]

Awesome as always. He's just a cut above, well, everybody!

[@Yehudittx]

The original on Mitchell's "Ladies of the Canyon" album was very eerie and mystical - he captured that very well.

[@divad2332]

He's got the thing-you know

[@troygaspard6732]

Mitchell has few peers. Richard Thompson is certainly one of the few.

[@bomagosh]

You must not know Thompson's songwriting ability. He certainly turns out incredible cover tunes, but his originals are simply magic. I like Joni Mitchell, but Richard's song "Meet on the Ledge" is every bit as powerful.

[@OneBigRetard]

Joni recoginsed genius there.

[@bountybar]

for those asking I think the tuning is DADGAD

[@davidguilfoyle]

+bountybar Yep I think it is DADGAD (or some variant thereof) too.

[@tomnyc7214]

+bountybar Yes RT confirmed that the tuning was DADGAD. Here's what he said in his interview with Guitar Player: Guitar Player: When you did “Woodstock” at a Joni Mitchell tribute concert you made it your own. What was that process? RT: I did it on a half-hour’s notice because the person scheduled to do it dropped out. The only way I could hear to do it that quickly was a DADGAD tuning, turning it into a British traditional modal thing.

[@daf827]

joni36, thank you for posting this! I remember watching the JM tribute on TV but this song never made it into the broadcast version, only "Black Crow", which had a snarly, edgy feel that seemed less faithful to the original than "Woodstock". Clearly Joni was moved on this...

[@lexinaut]

Bombers into butterflies, still my fondest wish!

[@hodgelet]

@keyehaw Blooming heck! If that's true, that makes an amazing performance just incredible!