Worth a tick on the calendar

On Wednesday, 10 August, National Radio is broadcasting a programme on one of the unsung geniuses of "popular" music, Richard Thompson:

11.06am Nine to Noon Artist of the week

Marty Duda features British singer, songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson.

Thompson first made his mark as a founding member of acclaimed folk/rock band Fairport Convention in the late 1960s. After leaving the band in the early 70s he recorded both as a solo artist and as a duo with his wife Linda Thompson. The couple split in 1982 and Richard Thompson has continued to record on his own. We’ll feature music from his brand new album, Front Parlour Ballads, along with tracks from throughout his career.

I have just ordered my copy of Front Parlour Ballads from Real Groovy, Auckland. It should be in store in the coming week. It has been getting some favourable reviews from the likes of the Guardian and the Independent, and I have high hopes for it. Then, again, Thompson is one of the most consistently excellent musicians in the biz, so I don't think I'll be too disappointed.