Philzone.org - Philzone Phansite Community Discussion Board: Setlists and Reviews: Non GD Related Reviews: Archive: Richard Thompson Solo - City Winery NYC 10-21-09

This was the first of three solo "all request" gigs by Richard Thompson at The City Winery in New York City.

First a note on the venue. I hope this place makes it. It's kind of in the netherlands of Manhattan, extreme west of SOHO near the entrance to the tunnell on Varick. The place is huge, though the concert area is somewhat compact making the show seem intimate. They really cram you into the tables. Four people at a very small four-top. Their food is okay, reasonably priced and you can taste unique wines while seeing a show. I'd go back but be a little more selective about where I sit. A seat at the bar would have been about as good as half the seats at tables and you don't have to deal with strangers sitting on your lap or chatting two 16 inches across from you.

Anyway, the show was amazing. Rarities and obscurities galore. It really was all request. They handed out slips of paper to fill out and they put them in a big bowl and Richard would pull them out and play them. Whatever he picked he played -- except the ones he didn't know (Peace, Love & Understanding for instance from last night). He didn't pick my song (Hide It Away) and since it was a small place it was packed with rabid fans who mostly requested obscure stuff. I consider myself a pretty big fan. I've been seeing him for over 20 years but I didn't know half of the songs played. If he needed help with songs he would hand the request to a guy who would then print the lyrics and possibly music too. It was just Richard, one guitar, a music stand, and a big brimming bowl of song requests. Cool thing.

Here's the setlist. I think it's pretty close to actual. My guess is that he picked Wall Of Death early on and saved it for the last number.

Cooksferry Queen
Why Must I Plead
Glad All Over (Dave Clark 5)
I Want To See The Bright Lights
Night Comes In
Just The Motion
Both Sides Now (Joni Mitchell - unfinished)
Sam Jones
Persuasion
I Feel So Good
She Sang Angels To Rest
Misunderstood
Willy O'Winsbury
Easy There, Steady Now
The Angels Took My Racehorse Away (might not be right)
Guns Are The Tongues
She May Call You Up Tonight
Waltzing's For Dreamers
When I Get To The Border
E
Jet Plane In A Rocking Chair
Wall Of Death

If you goes tonight or tomorrow, stuff the ballot with Season Of The Witch (Donovan). His version is great.

Love RT. I saw his request show a few years ago. Saw him last year solo as well, but it was his own setlist. I've seen him maybe 10 times, mostly solo but a few with a band. One of the few artists where you don't lose anything with him solo acoustic instead of rocking with a band- heck, maybe even better. That being said, I am ready to see him with a band again.

I remember one solo show he broke a string during the guitar solo of "I Feel So Good" and stopped playing, restrung the guitar while telling a story and then started the solo back up where he left it. Was surprised he didn't have another guitar or had a guitar tech take care of it.