 | | Reviews | | |  RICHARD THOMPSON + BAND
Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield
2nd March 2003
The first night of Richard Thompson's tour kicks off in the beautiful surroundings of the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield, a city very used to welcoming him over the years, and tonight the theatre is full to the rafters. The show starts with a rollicking version of Tear Stained Letter, then Danny Thompson's warm, meaty bass leads into the first of the many new songs they'll play tonight, Gethsemane. It's a mesmerising track with the quality and feel of Dylan's Time Out Of Mind recordings. It's broody, powerful and immensely satisfying to listen to.
The first few numbers create a longing for a standing venue rather than the confines of the seated Lyceum. This is a full-on rock and roll band with a huge, deep sound, sliced through with the trademark brilliance of Thompson's guitar playing. Drummer Earl Harvin is astounding throughout and coupled with the assured, unique playing of Danny Thompson it's a rhythm section to die for. The hugely talented multi-instrumentalist and harmony singer Pete Zorn is so obviously having the time of his life that it's a delight just to watch him.
Halfway through, the band leaves Richard alone on stage where he sings Phil Ochs' Ain't Marching Anymore, an obvious comment on the impending war. It's a powerful rendition and he later says that it has caused fights when he's performed it in the states. Tonight however it's welcome comment and warmly received.
More new songs from Old Kit Bag are immediately as impressive as the old favourites, with the crowd more than happy to be guinea pigs. But the undisputed highlight is Shoot Out The Lights, transformed from an angst-ridden, bitter growl to a proud, defiant tour-de-force. The band is phenomenal, playing with that extra energy that a live audience releases after two days of solid rehearsal – Pete Zorn's mandolin solo leaves the others grinning encouragement until Richard takes the lead with one of many blisteringly fabulous guitar breaks.
The're cheered back for two sets of encores, starting with the seminal Vincent Black Lightning and ending with a fantastic rendition of new song Jealous Words that could only have come from the pen of Richard Thompson.
This is one of Britain's most unique songwriters and phenomenal guitarists at the top of his game. This opening night was a huge hit but even a bad night with this line up would be worth fighting for tickets for.
Kit Bailey - March 2003
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Folk & Acoustic
