Updated: Celebrated guitarist and songwriter Richard Thompson will release two new albums: Acoustic Classics Vol. 2 on his own Beeswing record label, distributed via Proper, on August 11 plus Acoustic Rarities (Beeswing) will be released later in the year featuring new recordings of some of the more obscure songs in the Thompson catalogue, some previously existing only as cover versions. He has also announced a tour of the UK in October.
The release comes on the heels of the success of Acoustic Classics in 2014. The same year the Thompson Family took to the stage for two sold-out nights at Kings Place in London. Pulling it off was no easy task as revealed by Teddy Thompson here. Richard Thompson was Folk Radio UK’s Artist of the month for the release of Acoustic Classics and our album review highlighted how his acoustic guitar playing is every bit a match for the complexity of his electric fretwork. Read the full review here. In case you need reminding of Richard Thompson’s acoustic grace, watch this great NPR Tiny Desk Concert from 2011:
Acoustic Classics Vol. 2 will feature acoustic renderings of classic songs from the Richard Thompson catalogue, some previously recorded by other singers, some previously available only in a band format. Acoustic Rarities is new recordings of some of the more obscure songs in the Thompson catalogue, some previously existing only as cover versions. Further details on the albums to follow soon.
Special three-disc vinyl LP and double CD versions of both albums together will be released exclusively via Pledge Music: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/richardthompson
A hugely popular live performer, Thompson will tour the UK in October 2017 with dates as follows, including the first concert at the newly-established London Bridge Theatre. Support comes from Josienne Clarke + Ben Walker.
RICHARD THOMPSON TOUR DATES
Plus support Josienne Clarke + Ben Walker
Wed 11 October Brighton Dome
Thu 12 October Guildford G-Live
Fri 13 October Poole Lighthouse
Sat 14 October Bristol Colston Hall
Sun 15 October Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre
Tue 17 October Edinburgh Usher Hall
Wed 18 October Gateshead Sage
Thu 19 October Salford Lowry
Sat 21 October Saffron Walden Saffron Hall
Sun 22 October Coventry Warwick Arts Centre
Wed 25 October Sheffield City Hall
Thu 26 October Leicester de Montfort Hall
Fri 27 October Basingstoke Anvil
Sat 28 October Norwich Theatre Royal
Mon 30 October London Bridge Theatre