I traveled to Savannah this week on business, but also got to spend some time with Richard Leo down there. Great hospitality from him and Ms. Jane, who haven't changed a bit (Jane can still tell a five minute story in less than an hour). I walked him through posting here, so if we're lucky we'll hear from him.
Coincidentally, I'd gone to the library last week and borrowed the 1985 Across a Crowded Room by Richard Thompson.
I remember discussions with both Mr. Johnson and Mr. Patrick back in the early '90's that can be condensed into something like this: (them) "Richard Thompson is a really good guitar player." (me) "No, he's not."
Back then, I was allowing technique to play a pretty big role in what I judged as greatness. Of course, back then I still wasn't ready to admit that technical whizzes are a dime a dozen. People who play wonderously unexpected parts that are exactly right for the song are extremely rare.
Richard Thompson is one of those.
If you can get ahold of this album, note the solo on "I Ain't Gonna Drag My Feet No More." Or maybe "Fire in the Engine Room."
Yeah. Richard Thompson is a really good guitar player. There, I said it. Satisfied?
He can also turn a phrase, when he wants to. Not that I put too much stock in lyrics.
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