Some music is far too good to be hidden away and linger in the vaults, and that’s certainly the case with this live set from The Richard Thompson Band. Originally recorded for radio broadcast and captured live at the legendary Rock City venue, this double album finds Richard & Co. in their natural environment and wooing a capacity crowd. After laying dormant for almost 38 years, Historic Classic Concert – Live In Nottingham 1986 finally sees the light of day, and like a fine malt liquor aged to perfection, it was definitely worth the wait.

An aptly-titled opener, ‘Fire In The Engine Room’ finds the band hitting the ground running, and showering shards of effervescence in every direction. The first thing to note is that this recording seems 100% live; there’s been no retrospective tinkering with history here and the odd (minor) sound drop out that plagues most gigs (and makes them so special) have been left in, and so with the (very) occasional bum note. It’s an approach I very much favour and helps recreate that authentic live experience, and here it feels as if the band have set up right in your living room. It means that ‘Fire In The Engine Room’ crackles and flares nicely, and suggests the band have plenty of fuel in the tank. Like some cooler version of Bryan Ferry, Richard’s voice has aged well, and the rich experiences gained from two decades of touring comes through in every note he sings.

Although Richard left Fairport Convention (a band he co-founded in 1967) on a whim in 1971, it turned out to be a wise move. He’s a diverse musician who can’t easily be pigeonholed, and a solo career has allowed him to follow many different paths. That’s mainly due to his unique style; he’s one of those rarefied guitarists who can morph into any shape, yet in whatever guise he appears, his tone remains easily identifiable. Like all the top guitarists (of which he is one) he understands that sometimes it’s not what you play, but what you don’t, and ‘Warm Love Gone Cold’ (featuring guest vocal from Christine Collister) leaves plenty of room from the listener to infer their own meaning. However, the following ‘Wall Of Death’ is an excitable, lively number that finds Richard letting fly, but it is his versatility that makes these two tracks (and, indeed, the whole set) flow seamlessly.

It is the second half of this set where we get an insight into Richard’s personality, and his self-effacing, in between song banter, adds even more colour to proceedings. Putting a quintessential spin on an American classic, Johnny Cash’s ‘Tear Stained Letter’ goes down particularly well, as does the Sandy Denny-penned ‘John The Gun’, while a trio of covers concludes with, rather tellingly, ‘Skull & Crossbones’ by old bluesman Johnny Shiners. Bringing things nicely full circle, ‘Open Fire’ is a closer that is packed with fun and frolics, creating a sense of unity (as all good gigs should), and if ever proof were needed to the life-affirming nature of Richard Thompson’s music, then it’s right here.

Capturing the Richard Thompson Band at a pinnacle, Live In Nottingham 1986 still sounds fresh and vibrant, and even more so after all these years.

• Historic Classic Concert – Live In Nottingham 1986 is released via The Store For Music on 24th January 2024 (from here).
• Official Website

Track List:

CD1:

1. Fire In The Engine Room
2. When The Spell Is Broken
3. You Don’t Say
4. Warm Love Gone Cold
5. Wall Of Death
6. Mind Your Own Business
7. Summer Rain
8. Valerie
9. Shoot Out The Lights
10. Did She Jump Or Was She Pushed
11. She Twists The Knife Again
12. Jenny My Love

CD2:

1. For Shame Of Doing Wrong (I Wish I Was A Fool Again)
2. Long Dead Love
3. I Ain’t Gonna Drag My Feet No More
4. Love In A Faithless Country
5. Tear Stained Letter
6. John The Gun
7. Skull & Crossbones
8. Withered & Died
9. Open Fire