Album review: RICHARD THOMPSON BAND – Live In Nottingham 1986

January 13th, 2024 by jason

Store For Music [Release date 26.01.24]

An archive live performance released on CD for the first time (and with the blessing of Richard Thompson, which is not always the case with these live CDs), recorded on his 1986 tour. Angel Air have previously released a ‘Live in Nottingham 86′, however, that one has a different track listing and this release feels more like a complete show was recorded.

Joining Richard Thompson in his band at that time were Christine Collister, drummer Gerry Conway (who appeared on Jethro Tull’s ‘Crest of a Knave’ album the following year), Clive Gregson and bassist Rory McFarlane.

Gregson and Collister embarked on a series of well received album and tours, starting around the time of this tour. Clive Gregson gets to perform his own song ‘Summer Rain’, whilst Christine Collister adds her melodious backing vocals to many of the songs.

Richard Thompson often gets overlooked in round-up of guitar greats as he is more thought of as a folk artist or singer songwriter. Listening to the Richard & Linda Thompson classic ‘Shoot Out The Lights’ is a perfect example of Thompson’s guitar playing prowess.

Thompson doesn’t limit himself to just one genre, as his own composition ‘Long Dead Love’ has a bluesy feel, whilst the band romp through a spirited version of ‘Mind Your Own Business’, originally by Hank Williams. The set really hits the heights on ‘Tear Stained Letter’ and his cover of Sandy Denny’s ‘John The Gun’.

One for Richard Thompson fans for sure, along with anyone who enjoys guitar driven folk and rock music. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)