Richard Thompson - Wizard, Magus, Holy Fool.

The last thing we did in 2019? We were in a great little music room with about 350 other folks and we watched and listened to the great musical legend Richard Thompson. It was totally inspiring; we were captivated, enchanted by an extraordinary spirit; one guitar, 10 dexterous, remarkably nimble fingers, a powerful, expressive voice, songs of heart, passion, fire and thunder.

Thompson is an elder, a wise traveler, a remarkable troubadour. He draws upon an expansive catalog of songs, original and traditional. He traverses the history of r&r and British Traditional Folk Music. He played songs from his old band Fairport Convention, songs from his collaboration with his ex-wife Linda Thompson, songs from his long distinguished solo career.

Highlights for us: an ancient Druid song about a little brown wren, "Walking on a Wire" from the stone-cold classic album with Linda, "Shoot Out the Lights," and Sandy Denny's magnificent song "Who Knows Where the Time Goes"

Yes. Ghosts and age, and death hovered over the show. Kind of perfect for New Years Eve 2019. The show ended with a song about the "Saints Rising from Their Graves," and a magnificent version of "Auld Lang Syne." Perfect. Magnificent. Did I mention that Richard Thompson is a Wizard, a Magus, a Holy Fool of the highest order? Dare I say it? One of the best concerts ever. No doubt.