Richard Thompson
Acoustic Classics 2

If you were lucky enough to catch Richard Thompson at Womad in New Plymouth a couple of years back, you won't take much persuasion to leap into this new set of his material.

Since his arrival as a member of Fairport Convention back in 1967, Thompson has rightfully earned a reputation as a consummate musician and especially as a guitarist's guitarist.

After his stint with Fairport, Thompson played and recorded with his then wife Linda, before leaving the music business.

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He returned in the 1980s beginning what was for many years a chequered career, with frequent recording label changes and line-ups and years spent across the Atlantic from his home in West London.

Over recent years, however, Thompson has been recognised for his prodigious talents and success has been more constant.

He recorded and released the first Acoustic Classics album on his own label in 2014, scoring a Top Twenty result in Britain's Top 20 album chart.

On Acoustic Classics 2 we get to enjoy a singer and instrumentalist at the top of his game.

Confident delivery, meaningful and clever lyrics, and a hugely evocative guitar style. Maybe it's time that Thompson's due paying days are over and at the ripe old age of 68, he's finally "made it".

This is a fine album whatever genre is your preference.