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Seventeen years is a long time in showbusiness, though probably just a blink of the eye in folk circles. Whatever, Linda Thompson's back with an album so strong it's like she's never been away.
Aptly titled, Fashionably Late is packed full of strong songs, great performances and it should see you through the long winter nights comfortably.
Linda's kept her head down since her acrimonious split from legendary guitarist Richard Thompson, opting for childcare rather than treading the boards. To say she has been missed is an understatement. Her beautiful and expressive voice has no equal and she's always had her pick of quality material.
This time around, the covers are few and there's nothing by Mr Trad Arr. Rather, Linda's collaborated with her son, Teddy on several tracks and others are hers alone. Starting as she means to go on, Dear Mary is a whooping family affair. With Teddy and daughter Kamila supporting, it's an exuberant folk rocker. Only when the distinctive lead guitar comes in does the smile become a laugh. Yes, it's Richard Thompson in fine fettle, a victory for either marriage guidance or time's healing.
Nine Stone Rig sounds like an old sea shanty, but it's a clever pastiche with a great bass drive by Danny Thompson. She pulls off the same trick with The Banks of the Clyde, a beautiful self-penned number featuring Kathryn Tickell on Northumbrian pipes.
Other guests include Kate Rusby who pops up a couple of times adding her distinctive voice.
Evona Darling is a bit special. A song by the late Lal Waterson, it's a catchy skiffle moment with Van Dyke Parks on accordion and Hammond B3. The doleful Weary Life has Eliza Carthy on fiddle and supporting vocals, Philip Pickett on crumhorns and Chris Cutler on drums.
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