Who: Richard Thompson
What: Livestreamed couch concert
Where: Somewhere in Montclair, New Jersey
When: Sunday, April 19, 4:00
Why: London-born Richard Thompson is one of the greatest guitarists and singer-songwriters of the last fifty years. On March 29, the master raconteur played a twelve-tune live show from his couch in Montclair, where he is sheltering in place with his partner, singer-songwriter, author, and adoption advocate Zara Phillips. (You can watch it here.) The setlist included songs from throughout Thompson’s long career, from his days in Fairport Convention to teaming with his wife at the time, Linda Thompson, to deep cuts from his solo records. Among the songs he performed on his acoustic guitar were “I Misunderstood,” “Now Be Thankful,” “Down Where the Drunkards Roll,” “I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight,” and the pandemic-related “Keep Your Distance,” accompanied by Phillips on several numbers. They also did some Covid-19 shtick. Thompson was as acerbic and funny as always, his infectious smile so necessary at this time. He is returning to his couch on April 19 at 4:00 for another livestreamed concert, benefiting the Community FoodBank of New Jersey; you can donate to the fund here. If you’ve never seen Thompson live, you’re missing one of the best performers around; don’t miss this next chance to see him in about as intimate a setting as you can imagine. And maybe by then he and Phillips will have figured out where to place the camera and how to turn the stream off at the end.