Richard Thompson's widely beloved early work within the band Fairport Convention revived British folk traditions, and his duet albums and performances with Linda Thompson are legendary. His songs have been covered by Elvis Costello, David Byrne, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, and R.E.M., among others. He continues to write and perform, and to tour widely. He lives in New Jersey.
"Beeswing is wry, un-ponderous, anti-obligatory. Because the sound
Thompson created with Fairport was rooted in centuries-old songs,
he isn't captive to '60s clich�s; and because British electric folk
is off the classic-rock grid . . . The book's period accent makes
it feel fresh and exploratory."
--The New York Times Book Review "Mr. Thompson is a master showman.
The balancing act of major and minor, strung together by his witty,
self-deprecating banter, is the crux of Mr. Thompson's shows, and
that same equipoise between dirge and ditty is the hallmark of
Beeswing: It's everything you'd hope a Richard Thompson
autobiography would be . . . It's both major and minor, dirge and
ditty, light on its feet but packing a punch: like the very best
Richard Thompson show."
--Wesley Stace, The Wall Street Journal "Richard Thompson is one
of the world's great guitarists and songwriters and, with Beeswing,
Richard adds master memoirist to his long list of artistic
accomplishments. Beeswing is a fascinating look at his formative
years in the vibrant, vital London music scene of the 1960s."
--Bob Mould, musician and songwriter "I admire Richard Thompson so
much, and I found Beeswing as inspiring as his music. I devoured
and savored it."
--Steve Gunn, musician and songwriter "A beloved musician's memoir
is cause for celebration . . . The prose is smart and smartly
moving . . . [Beeswing] documents a beloved band's prime
existence."
--RJ Smith, Los Angeles Times "An absorbing, witty, often
deliciously biting read."
--Los Angeles Times Review of Books "[Thompson] is never less than
razor-sharp, and credit is due for including both the highs and
lows . . . [His] spell is never broken, and, as on disc, his is a
welcome voice to meet on the page. Readers will be eager for the
next volume of the story. Like a great Richard Thompson solo, this
title contains surprise, beauty, delight, and a voice like no
other. His autobiography is as welcome as it is long overdue."
--Library Journal, starred review "Thompson has a reputation as a
guitarists' guitarist and a top-notch singer-songwriter . . . With
Beeswing, Thompson proves himself equally adept as a memoirist . .
. Just as he has a knack for lyrics, Thompson has a way with words
on the page, offering colorful portraits of his contemporaries and
collaborators . . . Thompson's humor and insight also shine. He
evocatively recreates a time and place, and, like his shows, his
memoir leaves you wanting more."
--Booklist, starred review "More than a typical celebrity memoir,
Beeswing is thoughtful, well written and at times very funny. With
his sophisticated songs and distinctive guitar work, Thompson, 72,
has long been the thinking person's musician. Turns out he's also
the thinking person's memoirist."
--Laurie Hertzel, Minneapolis Star-Tribune "[Thompson] offers
plenty of insight into the early days of Fairport Convention and
its ever-changing lineup along with charming anecdotes."
--Kirkus Reviews "Readers who regard Thompson as a major figure in
the arts will consider this a must-read."
--Publishers Weekly "With pure alchemy, Richard Thompson created
his own iconic guitar style, electrifying and reimagining Celtic
music and going on to write some of the most passionate,
intelligent and heartbreaking songs I know."
--Bonnie Raitt "Thompson is extraordinarily special: a
singer-songwriter of rare bite and insight; an emphatic moderniser
of ancient traditions; a guitarist with few equals."
--Mojo "Intimate, honest . . . For Fairport Convention fans, this
book offers a teasure trove of information."
--The Wire "A beautiful, funny, fascinating book, covering a
transformative time in Thompson's life, as he puts together
Fairport Convention and a new approach to English folk music."
--Ed Park, author of Personal Days
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