Keith Thompson Music News!

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Hi Everyone…..just wanted to touch base with you and keep you up to date with all my music related news. We are starting to ease back into things now although it does feel as though change is here to stay. I have been recording a lot of material for future release and working on several different projects. You might like to look at the new “Double A side” single now on Bandcamp! “Sandcastles of Lies” & “Easy Money” are songs that I wrote and recorded, playing everything myself during the pandemic….mainly to keep myself amused but I like the way they turned out. If you like classic blues/rock, take a listen. I am selling this double A side single for £1 only!…Hey…I know you can listen to it on Bandcamp for a while but would really would appreciate your support by dropping a quid in the hat! A QUID! can’t be fairer than that!

Double A Side | Keith Thompson (bandcamp.com)

Also, I have ventured into new territory, that of semi classical. Have a look at the video “Aurora” on You Tube. This was my first attempt at composing strings but I couldn’t resist putting a guitar into the mix! I guess this is an extension of my production music but without the need to market music in the same way recently I saw no reason why I shouldn’t do anything I was inspired to do. Hope it doesn’t confuse people!

If you didn’t already know this I did record a new acoustic album available to download from Bandcamp. It’s called “Aint No Slave”…..Well…I’ve had a lot of time on my hands! More info below.

Ain’t No Slave | Keith Thompson (bandcamp.com)

Gigs!

Yes….we have gigs! I don’t take anything for granted as we live in uncertain times but we have a smattering of live gigs in the pipeline, mostly my band or the Jigantics:

GIGS 2021

August

1^st… Northampton. Jigantics

14^th…Private function, Painswick KTB

18^th…Lanstrisant. Jigantics

19^th…Manor Farm, Ardley, Bicester. Jigantics

September

18^th…Southdowns Folk/Americana Festival. Jigantics

October

22^nd…St. Harmonica Blues Club, London. KTB

23^rd…Limelight Theatre. London. KTB

28th…Lyceum Folk Club, Newport. Jigantics

30^th…Goods Shed, Tetbury. KTB

November

6th. CB2, Cambridge. Jigantics

13^th. The Ale House, Coleford. (KT,Patsy & Muddy)

27th. Stroud (KT,Patsy & Muddy)

December

3^rd…The Stables, Milton Keynes. KTB

4^th…Rugely Blues Club. KTB

17th…Winchcombe Live. Jigantics

Ain’t No Slave

Are you a “thinking” person? I have always loved songs that had depth and meaning and at times my music has been dubbed, “thinking man’s blues”. Yes, of course, I love rock n’ roll but even in the early days of the Beatles I would be drawn to Let it Be more than say, Obla Di Obla Da! “Ain’t no Slave” is a natural successor to my album, “Two Minutes to Midnight”. A collection of songs that are pretty deep…even for me! It is fairly stripped down as I worked in isolation so apart from a blues harp by Mark Cole on Stalag 34 and violin by Nick Gibbs on Innocence, I played everything. I like being unfettered creatively, and my spiritual and emotional journey is one of leaving behind negativity and walking towards the light. I don’t sugar coat life but I face the realities with hope and faith in a better day. I am not a herd person…hence the title, “Ain’t No Slave” For a limited time I have made the cost of download less than a couple of cups of coffee because I want people who think they would relate/benefit from some soothing reflection to be able to get this album. It’s my hope that this collection of songs will encourage and inspire. If you’ve made it this far….congratulations!

Download it from Bandcamp

http://keiththompson.bandcamp.com/album/aint-no-slave

Density Music Shop

Worth a visit is the Density Music shop. You will find albums bundled together. If you buy two separate titles you get the second at a special knock down price!

http://densitymusic.com/Shop.htm

                                               Timeless has already been favorably reviewed in “Blues In Britain”.

CD REVIEW –  KEITH THOMPSON

TIMELESS VOL.1 – DENSITY MUSIC.

This year sees Keith Thompson celebrate fifty years performing as a live musician, and along the way he’s made some very fine albums indeed, worked with some of the finest around, including the likes of Buddy Whittington and Laurence Jones, has written some amazingly good songs, proves again and again to be one of the finest guitarists around the UK scene. So now the lad from Cheltenham gains his right to celebrate his music, and in the best way possible with a dozen choice selections of his recordings from his albums through those years. Choosing a dozen must have been difficult to decide on but he has, and what we have is a varied and hugely enjoyable set of performances, I say that because two of the tracks are live on tour in Europe. Sometimes Keith’s music seems not to get the exposure it should do but with his release hopefully that will change. Think the best in both blues, rock and soul, then Keith Thompson’s your man.

Opening with ‘Cat Scratch Crazy’, laying down the gauntlet, the guitar along with keys, drives things along, just backed by bass and drums, this kicks the set off perfectly. ‘Preaching The Blues’ is one of his best songs and he’s performed and recorded it as an electric band version, also as an acoustic one, both work well, but here we get the full band version, all about getting the blues out there, and dedicated to preaching these blues. ‘Keeper Of The Flame’ slows things down a little, its from his superb ‘Catch The Fire’ album that included both Whittington and Laurence Jones, but here its just Keith again offering some amazing guitar to his vocals, another great song from him.

‘Breathe’   from that same album, is another outstanding song, with a taste of wah-wah pedal. Driving blues and another superb choice for this set. Then, you get ‘Money’, no not the old Pink Floyd song, but one of his own about one of the oldest subjects in music, money, or as in many cases the lack of it, more of that pure blues rock guitar, played with such taste, as is the whole song, another very fine performance.

‘Soul Ties’ has a more country blues flavour to it, from his Two Minutes To Midnight, acoustic based album, featuring some nice slide guitar in there, another change in style, but more proof of Keith’s writing skills. Then to the two live tracks, and mighty fine they are, both from the excellent “Snapshot Of Reality” album recorded on tour all over Europe, the first ‘Promised Land’ recorded in Austria, just the three piece, before another recorded in Germany, ‘Reputation’, this is a real taste of just how good the band is live. One track well worth a mention is one from his “Steel Strings Bruised Reed”, acoustic based album is ‘Why Can’t You Be Good’ which also features the wonderful sax of Patsy Gamble, whose worked with Keith many times over the years both in the studio and live, This actual track is one of those you know you’ll be playing again and again.

So there we have it Volume 1 of this tribute to the music of Keith Thompson, and its one of those well worth seeking out, following the excellent new “Transcendence” album last year, we now have this look through his career, and what a wonderful journey it is. Fifty years, and a legacy of great rock blues for all to enjoy, roll on Volume 2.                                                          Pete Clack.

LIVE ALBUM!

Not only that!….The new “live” album! This is a recording of a gig in “Hard Rock Pamela” in Torun, Poland. It has been released on the HRPP label in Poland. The album is called “Up Close & Live”. Find it on the Density Music shop.

Blues In Britain: Recorded live at the Hard Rock Club Pamela in Torun, Poland, this is an excellent new live set by Keith Thompson and his band. Keith describes it as a great music venue attracting many touring bands from around the world, and this whole set has the feel of one of those gigs that you are very much part of, and contains a cracking set list of songs from throughout his career along with just a couple of covers. The story behind the musicians behind this album along with Keith’s most recent studio album, Transcendence, is how he met Jacek Chruscinski (bass) and Artur Malik (drums) in a car park in Poland, where he found they were his band for the tour. That was one meeting that worked so well that along with the recording of that album also saw the recording of this live set. The band are so solid you’d think that they had played together for a long time. They clearly brought something very special to support Keith’s vocals and guitar work. This set is ample proof of that. Opener, “Watch Doin’ to Me” sets things off very nicely with a solid rocking blues, that from the outset gets the audience going. Followed by “Money”, no not the Pink Floyd classic though we still get the till sound at the start, but one of Keith’s most popular songs. In “Preachin’ the Blues” he states the inspiration behind playing his music. “Keeper of the Flame” has a very atmospheric opening, the soothing guitar rules in “What do you believe” again keeping the blues alive. “Thin Ice” has a medium paced opening with some funky guitar. More of the funky style comes in on “Like a Stranger”. Then comes, “Not the Same as Love”, as good a slice of southern blues you’ll hear all year. “You Don’t Know Me” features Keith’s slide guitar playing alongside a nice shuffle rhythm set by the band. Keith is not limited in his playing and proves his wide range of skills as a player. To the covers – in Peter Green’s “Oh Well”, sure we get one of the best known guitar intros there is, but in the middle, the solo is just amazing and brings a whole new feel to a much recorded song. This is a great version. As is the closing cover of Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready”, Keith and his superb band pull out a truly remarkable version here. This is an album to keep any fan of good music and the blues happy. A live album worthy of merit by Keith as part of his fifty years as a musician, and an album he should be truly proud of. One of the best live albums you’ll hear this year.

Keith Thompson Music News 2021

Hi Everyone,

I want to tell you about my new album available to download from Bandcamp. It’s called “Aint No Slave”.

Are you a “thinking” person? I have always loved songs that had depth and meaning and at times my music has been dubbed, “thinking man’s blues”. Yes, of course, I love rock n’ roll but even in the early days of the Beatles I would be drawn to Let it Be more than say, Obla Di Obla Da! “Ain’t no Slave” is a natural successor to my album, “Two Minutes to Midnight”. A collection of songs that are pretty deep…even for me! It is fairly stripped down as I worked in isolation so apart from a blues harp by Mark Cole on Stalag 34 and violin by Nick Gibbs on Innocence, I played everything. I like being unfettered creatively, and my spiritual and emotional journey is one of leaving behind negativity and walking towards the light. I don’t sugar coat life but I face the realities with hope and faith in a better day. I am not a herd person…hence the title, “Ain’t No Slave” For a limited time I have made the cost of download less than a couple of cups of coffee because I want people who think they would relate/benefit from some soothing reflection to be able to get this album. It’s my hope that this collection of songs will encourage and inspire. If you’ve made it this far….congratulations!

Download it from Bandcamp

https://keiththompson.bandcamp.com/album/aint-no-slave

Another new venture you might be interested in is Tuneriver.com. I have joined a group of songwriters in this venture, creating personalized songs that you can make a gift of. Maybe a birthday, valentines day or anniversary or maybe you just want to say thank you.

Why not take a look? I have three songs on the site. They can all be personalized to suit your special occasion gift needs.

https://www.tuneriver.com/create-a-song/

Density Music Shop

Worth a visit is the Density Music shop. You will find albums bundled together. If you buy two separate titles you get the second at a special knock down price!

http://densitymusic.com/Shop.htm

CD BABY STORE  – TIMELESS                                                      BLUES ERUPTION –  AMAZON MUSIC

Timeless has already been favorably reviewed in “Blues In Britain”.

CD REVIEW –  KEITH THOMPSON

TIMELESS VOL.1 – DENSITY MUSIC.

This year sees Keith Thompson celebrate fifty years performing as a live musician, and along the way he’s made some very fine albums indeed, worked with some of the finest around, including the likes of Buddy Whittington and Laurence Jones, has written some amazingly good songs, proves again and again to be one of the finest guitarists around the UK scene. So now the lad from Cheltenham gains his right to celebrate his music, and in the best way possible with a dozen choice selections of his recordings from his albums through those years. Choosing a dozen must have been difficult to decide on but he has, and what we have is a varied and hugely enjoyable set of performances, I say that because two of the tracks are live on tour in Europe. Sometimes Keith’s music seems not to get the exposure it should do but with his release hopefully that will change. Think the best in both blues, rock and soul, then Keith Thompson’s your man.

Opening with ‘Cat Scratch Crazy’, laying down the gauntlet, the guitar along with keys, drives things along, just backed by bass and drums, this kicks the set off perfectly. ‘Preaching The Blues’ is one of his best songs and he’s performed and recorded it as an electric band version, also as an acoustic one, both work well, but here we get the full band version, all about getting the blues out there, and dedicated to preaching these blues. ‘Keeper Of The Flame’ slows things down a little, its from his superb ‘Catch The Fire’ album that included both Whittington and Laurence Jones, but here its just Keith again offering some amazing guitar to his vocals, another great song from him.

‘Breathe’   from that same album, is another outstanding song, with a taste of wah-wah pedal. Driving blues and another superb choice for this set. Then, you get ‘Money’, no not the old Pink Floyd song, but one of his own about one of the oldest subjects in music, money, or as in many cases the lack of it, more of that pure blues rock guitar, played with such taste, as is the whole song, another very fine performance.

‘Soul Ties’ has a more country blues flavour to it, from his Two Minutes To Midnight, acoustic based album, featuring some nice slide guitar in there, another change in style, but more proof of Keith’s writing skills. Then to the two live tracks, and mighty fine they are, both from the excellent “Snapshot Of Reality” album recorded on tour all over Europe, the first ‘Promised Land’ recorded in Austria, just the three piece, before another recorded in Germany, ‘Reputation’, this is a real taste of just how good the band is live. One track well worth a mention is one from his “Steel Strings Bruised Reed”, acoustic based album is ‘Why Can’t You Be Good’ which also features the wonderful sax of Patsy Gamble, whose worked with Keith many times over the years both in the studio and live, This actual track is one of those you know you’ll be playing again and again.

So there we have it Volume 1 of this tribute to the music of Keith Thompson, and its one of those well worth seeking out, following the excellent new “Transcendence” album last year, we now have this look through his career, and what a wonderful journey it is. Fifty years, and a legacy of great rock blues for all to enjoy, roll on Volume 2.                                                          Pete Clack.

LIVE ALBUM!

Not only that!….The new “live” album! This is a recording of a gig in “Hard Rock Pamela” in Torun, Poland. It has been released on the HRPP label in Poland. The album is called “Up Close & Live”. Find it on the Density Music shop.

Can’t stop now!…..Keith Thompson Music

Hi….I sincerely hope you are all well,

Can’t stop now….although I guess change is inevitable….Please read on….there is a lot happening!

Live album

Back in March, immediately prior to lockdown, KTB released a new live album!  Not the best timing but at least it is possible to get a taste of the band playing live. The album was recorded “live” at Hard Rock Pamela in Torun, Poland, which  is a great music venue attracting many touring bands from around the world. Lovers of blues and rock music in particular love this place. It has a wonderful “up close and personal” atmosphere. You really feel as if you are in on something special. So when we decided to launch our latest studio album, “Transcendence”, this is the venue we chose! It was also decided to record the event for a possible “Live” album. Along with Jacek Chruscinski on bass and Artur Malik on drums, we did our thing to an amazingly responsive audience. The results are captured here forever in this collection of songs taken from the show. In contrast to the studio album, old KT favourites were included and one or two covers that the band had been jamming with on this particular tour.   All Cds, including this one are available from  Density Music

Livestream gig: Blues/Rock/Funk Experience!

As you can imagine some drastic changes have occurred  due to the Coronavirus outbreak. No surprise to anyone I know. Virtually, a years worth of gigs just pulled! Pro musicians are in a group of people heavily affected. Although there have been some easing of the lockdown…..no one yet knows if and when gigs can resume as before. 

On the plus side…I have been streaming online “live” gigs from my home studio and doing “live” videos. Here is the youtube link:  Music From The Lockdown . With online events set to be part of the future landscape I would really appreciate you subscribing to my YouTube channel: Keith Thompson YouTube channel

The BIG one to watch though is the Blues/Rock/Funk Experience. Fans of quality blues/Rock/Funk music will love this live gig featuring three fine musicians collaborating together to showcase their music from the studio environment. Soundshack Studios, Cheltenham are aiming for the best possible sound and video quality for this livestream which features:
Guitarist Muddy Manninen, formerly of Wishbone Ash. After 12 years with Wishbone Muddy recently decided to break away to puruse several projects. His solo albums have been getting much critical acclaim. The second solo album, “River Flows” is now available and features Melanie Denard, Gregg Sutton, Kev Moore, Richard Johnson and special guest Simon Kirke (Free/Bad Co.) on drums!
Keith Thompson solo and with his band have been consistently performing in mainland Europe now for 30+ years, where he is well known to a large blues following as an exciting live performer. In 2019 Keith completed his 12th Blues/Rock album, “Transcendence” ” to much critical acclaim in the music press. 1) “A musical gem” – Blues matters magazine. 2) “A genuinely talented artist” – R2 magazine. The band have subsequently toured again in Switzerland, Czech, Germany, Poland & the UK. They also appeared at several major festivals in Croatia including, Jerry Ricks Blues Festival in Kastav.
Saxophonist Patsy Gamble A much in demand session saxophonist, vocalist, composer, performer and British Blues Award finalist in 2011 and 2012. She has also recorded several solo albums as well as having a joint venture with Muddy called, “Hipkiss”. A very experienced musician having worked with Mick Jagger, Steve Winwood and many more.

This promises to be a very special event. Everyone that purchases a ticket will get a unique personal code in order for them to watch the livestream which will be broadcast from Soundshack Studios, Cheltenham on Friday 4th December at 8.00pm. At £5 + booking fee this is excellent value for money. Tickets are available from “Citizen’s Ticket”

Personalized songs for special occasions!

Another exciting development is that I have joined a group of artists creating songs that can be purchased as a gift for a special occasion such as a Birthday, Christmas or Anniversary or simply to say thank you. So if you think this is a great idea and you have someone in mind that would love the gift of a song, why not take a look: Tuneriver

Downloads and streaming.

If downloads are your thing then my music is available on all platforms. Here is a good place to start: https://keiththompson.bandcamp.com/

Also available from from I tunes KT on I Tunes

Even streaming on Spotify KT on Spotify will help.

Please enjoy all the free stuff on YouTube and social media…otherwise every little helps. Thank you.

Live gigs!

In the middle of all this,  in September we did manage a short tour (8 gigs) in Poland. It was a window of opportunity while at the time Covid levels in Poland were very low. At least we did manage to play to socially distant, restricted audiences who thoroughly enjoyed catching up with us.

Let’s hope it won’t be too long before some kind of normality resumes. In the meantime please keep tracking with us.

Keith Thompson

 

Keith Thompson Music Update

Hi Everyone,

A lot has happened already this year!  Jan/Feb is usually an admin time and this year is no exception. Finalizing the touring schedule is top priority. As much as it can be finalized that is! See the updated list below.

Already though! Two albums have been released this year! Yep….not one but two! First was “Timeless Vol 1” which is, in effect a “best of” selection, available to download from all the usual places. Hot on it’s heals is an album called, “Keith Thompson’s Blues Eruption…Little Red Rooster”…released by a company based in Holland. This is a collection of 10 classic blues covers and 4 originals that I was commissioned to record. It is now available everywhere on-line!

CD BABY STORE  – TIMELESS                                                      BLUES ERUPTION –  AMAZON MUSIC

Timeless has already been favorably reviewed in “Blues In Britain”.

CD REVIEW –  KEITH THOMPSON

TIMELESS VOL.1 – DENSITY MUSIC.

This year sees Keith Thompson celebrate fifty years performing as a live musician, and along the way he’s made some very fine albums indeed, worked with some of the finest around, including the likes of Buddy Whittington and Laurence Jones, has written some amazingly good songs, proves again and again to be one of the finest guitarists around the UK scene. So now the lad from Cheltenham gains his right to celebrate his music, and in the best way possible with a dozen choice selections of his recordings from his albums through those years. Choosing a dozen must have been difficult to decide on but he has, and what we have is a varied and hugely enjoyable set of performances, I say that because two of the tracks are live on tour in Europe. Sometimes Keith’s music seems not to get the exposure it should do but with his release hopefully that will change. Think the best in both blues, rock and soul, then Keith Thompson’s your man.

Opening with ‘Cat Scratch Crazy’, laying down the gauntlet, the guitar along with keys, drives things along, just backed by bass and drums, this kicks the set off perfectly. ‘Preaching The Blues’ is one of his best songs and he’s performed and recorded it as an electric band version, also as an acoustic one, both work well, but here we get the full band version, all about getting the blues out there, and dedicated to preaching these blues. ‘Keeper Of The Flame’ slows things down a little, its from his superb ‘Catch The Fire’ album that included both Whittington and Laurence Jones, but here its just Keith again offering some amazing guitar to his vocals, another great song from him.

‘Breathe’   from that same album, is another outstanding song, with a taste of wah-wah pedal. Driving blues and another superb choice for this set. Then, you get ‘Money’, no not the old Pink Floyd song, but one of his own about one of the oldest subjects in music, money, or as in many cases the lack of it, more of that pure blues rock guitar, played with such taste, as is the whole song, another very fine performance.

‘Soul Ties’ has a more country blues flavour to it, from his Two Minutes To Midnight, acoustic based album, featuring some nice slide guitar in there, another change in style, but more proof of Keith’s writing skills. Then to the two live tracks, and mighty fine they are, both from the excellent “Snapshot Of Reality” album recorded on tour all over Europe, the first ‘Promised Land’ recorded in Austria, just the three piece, before another recorded in Germany, ‘Reputation’, this is a real taste of just how good the band is live. One track well worth a mention is one from his “Steel Strings Bruised Reed”, acoustic based album is ‘Why Can’t You Be Good’ which also features the wonderful sax of Patsy Gamble, whose worked with Keith many times over the years both in the studio and live, This actual track is one of those you know you’ll be playing again and again.

So there we have it Volume 1 of this tribute to the music of Keith Thompson, and its one of those well worth seeking out, following the excellent new “Transcendence” album last year, we now have this look through his career, and what a wonderful journey it is. Fifty years, and a legacy of great rock blues for all to enjoy, roll on Volume 2.                                                          Pete Clack.

LIVE ALBUM!

Not only that!….a live album is due for release imminently. This is a recording of a gig in “Hard Rock Pamela” in Torun, Poland. The album is due for release when we play there again on march 9th! It is being released on the HRPP label in Poland but I will no doubt have some available for the UK tour in April. The album is called “Up Close & Live”.

More News:

• I am continuing to work with the folk/americana band, the Jigantics in between KTB stuff….amazingly it all fits together.
• I shared some pieces of advice on Social Media not long back….I guess it comes with age…so just in case…here it is again:

KT TIPS- What I would’ve told my younger self!

1. Be yourself. There is only one you. Also, do not compare yourself to someone else. By all means asses your ability but not on sounding like someone else…. but work at being the best “you” you can be.
2. Just because someone claims to be an expert, it doesn’t mean they are.
3. Being an excellent musician doesn’t make you a professional. Think about that. Also…there are musicians and those who play music and think they are musicians. (What I mean by this is that I may be able to change a fuse in a plug but that doesnt make me an electrician) Neither is bad but not everyone can tell the difference.
4. You don’t have to bare your soul and be too open. If you do, you may burn out.
5. Don’t pin all your hopes on other people. They are the one thing you can’t control.
6. Don’t listen when they say you have plenty of time. Now is all we have.
7. Don’t fall for the lie that money isn’t important.. ..it may not be your primary purpose but you are sure gonna need it. Oh and there is nothing spiritual about being poor. Being materialistic is not the same thing.
8. If people say you are brilliant that’s nice and if people think you are rubbish that’s not helpful but actually both are only an opinion. It’s all just static. Make your own mind up.
9. If you are waiting for the right time, it may never come. There isn’t a perfect time. Take the opportunities as you get them.
10. Don’t make it all about the destination. Enjoy the journey. It may not happen again.
11. What you think. You are. So think good.
12. Make your own luck.
13. Just because a high percentage of people believe something, it doesn’t make it true. Also….people don’t always say what they really think.
14. A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action becomes a reality.
15. Empty vessels make the most noise. Yes. The people who shout the loudest are not necessarily the people you should listen to.
16. You can’t steer a ship that isn’t moving. So when you don’t know which way to go, pray and take small steps forward…the right way will open up.
17. Choose your battles. Be wise….some people won’t listen to you anyway so why fight. You don’t need the stress.
18. The flip side is be prepared to take advice especially from trusted sources. At the end of the day though…the decision is yours.
19. Forgive others and forgive yourself…and move on….it’s done…don’t beat yourself up about stuff that happened years ago.
20. There is more going on than you can see.

TOUR DATES:

KTB – Jigantics – Solo acoustic – 2020

March

Friday 6th. Milkmaid Music Club, Bury St Edmunds. (Jigantics)

KTB – TOUR POLAND

Saturday 7th. Gostynin, Poland (KTB)
Sunday 8th. Gostynin, Poland (KTB workshop)
Monday 9th. Hard Rock pub Pamela, Torun, Poland (KTB)
Tuesday 10th. TBC
Wednesday 11th. Culture Centre, Elk (KTB)
Thursday 12th. Gdynia Blues Club, Gydnia, Poland (KTB)
Friday 13th. Harris Piano Bar, Krakow (KTB)
Saturday 14th. Cultural House, Bratislava, Slovakia (KTB)
Sunday 15th. Muzyczna Owczarni, Jaworki, Poland (KTB)
Tuesday 17th. Bugsy’s Music Venue, Pszczyna, Poland (KTB)

UK

Wednesday 25th. Cafe Rene, Greyfriars, Gloucester (KTB)
Friday 27th. Duck and Drake Music Venue, Kirkgate St. Leeds (KTB)
Saturday 28th. Blues Bar, 4 Montpellier Parade, Harrogate (KTB)

April

Saturday 4th. Limelight Theatre, Queens Park Art Centre, Aylesbury Wells (KTB)

Wednesday 8th.Red Lion Folk Club, Birmingham (Jigantics)

UK TOUR with Polish Rhythm Section

Thursday 16^th. Beehive, Swindon (KTB)

Friday 17th. Woodlands Art Centre, Gillingham (KTB)

Saturday 18th. Tetbury Goods Shed Art Centre (KTB)

Sunday 19th. TBC (KTB)

Monday 20th, The Cherrington, Brailes (KTB)
Wed 22nd Vonnies Blues Club, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham (KTB)

Thurs 23rd. Sports Hall, Ross On Wye (KTB)
Friday 24th. St Harmonica’s Blues Club, Chase Side, London (KTB)

Saturday 25th. The Stables (Stage 2), Milton Keynes (KTB)
Sunday 26th. The Brasshouse, Broad Street, Birmingham (KTB)

May

Sunday 3rd. Litchfield Vaults, Hereford (afternoon 3.00pm KTB)

Saturday 23rd. Ulpha, Broughton In Furness (Jigantics)
Sunday 24th. Dog and Partridge, Marchington (Jigantics)

28th May. The Beehive, Prospect Hill, Swindon (KT solo acoustic)

Sunday 31st The Brewery, Gloucester (KT solo acoustic)

June

Monday 1st. Stroud Music cafe, Independence Trust for “Lifting the Blues” (KT solo acoustic)

Saturday 6th. Everyman Theatre Studio, Cheltenham (KT solo acoustic)

Saturday 13th. Aberystwith Folk Club (Jigantics)

July

Friday 10th. Manor Farm, Ardley (Jigantics)
Saturday 11th. Bromsgrove Folk Festival (Jigantics)
Sunday 12th. Folk On The Moor, Nr Plympton (Jigantics)

Thursday 16th TBC

Friday 17th TBC

Saturday 18th. Upton Blues Festival (KTB)
Sunday 19th. The Tropic, Ruislip (KTB)

Wednesday 22nd. Llantrisant Folk Club, Pontyclun, South Wales (Jigantics)

August

Saturday 29th. Colne R&B Festival, The Hippodrome, Colne, Lancs. (KTB – on stage 3.40)

September

Friday 4th. St Edith Folk Club, Sevenoaks (Jigantics)
Saturday 12th. Galicja Blues Festival, Galicja, Poland (KTB)

Saturday 19th. Southdowns Americana Festival, Bognor (Jigantics)
Tuesday 22nd. Alicante (Jigantics)

October

Sat 10th. Hebden Bridge (Jigantics)

Tuesday 13th. Epping Folk Club, Essex (Jigantics)

Friday 16th. Costa Del Folk, Portugal (Jigantics)

Saturday 24th. Black Dyke Mills, Queensbury (KTB)

Sunday 25th. The Richmond Blues Club, Hereford (KTB)

November

Sunday 15th, Forest Folk Club, Sling, Coleford (Jigantics)

Tuesday 17th. Bristol Blues Club. (KTB)

Sunday 29th. Prince of Wales, Ledbury. Sunday afternoon blues (KTB)

December

Tuesday 1st. The Hoy at Anchor FC (Jigantics)

Saturday 5th. Rugely Blues Club, Rugely (KTB)

Saturday 12th, Square Roots, Southdowns (Jigantics)

 

Keith Thompson Music News 2020

Happy New Year Everyone!

Well I have torn down the deco’s and I can’t wait to get on with 2020!

I have to first say that 2019 was a great year with some fantastic highlights, particularly during the summer months when I was virtually on the road for 3 months.  Below are a few memories of what it was like.

Combined with all extra curricular activities, like playing guitar for the Jigantics, I did just over 100 gigs this year. Also, 2019 also saw the completion of  4 new albums! Not to mention various other recording projects!

• The new studio album, “Transcendence”.
• I was commissioned to make an album of mostly classic blues/rock covers which is soon to be released on-line…..
• AND a “best of” selection has also been released on-line (This was originally a “free” offer for followers for a short time but I decided to make it available more widely.
• A “live” album recorded on location in Poland is good and ready to go in 2020!

So all in all a busy year!

The studio album, “Transcendence”  has had great reviews in the music press and as it was primarily released in Poland, I am looking forward to getting out in the UK and beyond in 2020.

2020! 50 Years of playing “live”!!!

2020  has a good feel about it. I know the obvious connection with 2020 vision so it feels positive but BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! For me this will be my 50th year of playing in public in either a semi professional or professional capacity. I started very young, so by saying 50 years, I am not counting the school gigs and youth club gigs I did prior to starting out in paying gigs at age 14! Not only that but at least 25 years of those 50 have been full time! With just a few supporters, I walked my own path. There were many turns and twists in the road that I should probably bring out a book! To mark the occasion, what I am aiming to do this year is as many gigs as possible. Band gigs and solo gigs. I may vary the set too and play some old material along with the new to reflect the different seasons that I have been through.

Also, throughout 2020 I am planing to release a lot more material. Some of this will be on-line only but I have been sitting on a lot of songs and feel it is time to just get it all out there!

TIMELESS VOL 1 is the first of these releases. It is, in fact a kind of “best of” selection of tracks on previous albums. Ideal if you are not so familiar with my music. Initially I gave this away free for a limited time and have now decided to make this more widely available.

Download the album – Timeless Vol 1

Changing line -ups!

The nature of playing in a band these days seems to have changed in that it has become a more flexible situation. Inevitable really, as musicians have to be open to offers from various bands in order to sustain a long term career…..unless you’re the Rolling Stones! I therefore have a very strong pool of musicians to pull from. More info about this is on the band page of my web site: http://www.densitymusic.com/Bandinfohtm.htm

Gigs are coming in for 2020: Dates are being added regularly so keep checking back….This is how it is looking right now…hopefully there will be one you can get to!

2020

March

Thursday 12th. Gdynia Blues Club, Gydnia, Poland (KTB)
Friday 13th. Harris Piano Bar, Krakow, Poland  (KTB)
Saturday 14th. Cultural House, Bratislava, Slovakia (KTB)

Wednesday 18th. Bugsy’s Music Restaurante, Pszczyna, Poland (KTB)

19th – 22nd Poland/Czech TBC

Wednesday 25th. Cafe Rene, Greyfriars, Gloucester, UK (KTB)
Friday 27th. Duck and Drake Music Venue, Kirkgate St. Leeds. UK (KTB)
Saturday 28th. Blues Bar, 4 Montpellier Parade, Harrogate, UK (KTB)

April

Saturday 4th. Limelight Theatre, Queens Park Art Centre, Aylesbury Wells. UK (KTB)

Friday 17th. Woodlands Art Centre, Gillingham, UK  (KTB)
Wed 22nd Vonnies Blues Club, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham,  UK  (KTB)
Friday 24th. St Harmonica’s Blues Club, Chase Side, London, UK  (KTB)

Saturday 25th. The Stables (Stage 2), Milton Keynes, UK (KTB)
Sunday 26th. The Brasshouse, Broad Street, Birmingham, UK (KTB)

May

28th May. The Beehive, Prospect Hill, Swindon, UK (KT solo acoustic)

Sunday 31st The Brewery, Gloucester, UK (KT solo acoustic)

June

Monday 1st. Stroud Music cafe, Independence Trust for “Lifting the Blues” UK (KT solo acoustic)

Saturday 6th. Everyman Theatre Studio, Cheltenham, UK (KT solo acoustic)

July

Saturday 18th. Upton Blues Festival, UK (KTB)
Sunday 19th. The Tropic, Ruislip, UK (KTB)TBC

August

Saturday 29th. Colne R&B Festival, The Hippodrome, Colne, Lancs. UK (KTB – on stage 3.40)

September

Saturday 12th. Galicja Blues Festival, Galicja, Poland (KTB)

October

Saturday 24th. Black Dyke Mills, Queensbury, UK  (KTB)

Sunday 25th. The Richmond Blues Club, Hereford, UK (KTB)

November

Tuesday 17th. Bristol Blues Club. UK (KTB)

Sunday 29th. Prince of Wales, Ledbury. Sunday afternoon blues UK (KTB) TBC

December

Saturday 5th. Rugely Blues Club, Rugely, UK  (KTB)

I am also still playing with Folk/Americana band, The Jigantics so for full gig listing go to: Tour Dates

There are lots of ways you can support my musical adventures.

1. Come to gigs
2. Buy albums Shop
3. Subscribe to my YouTube channel
4. “Like” my Facebook page
5. If you are crazy you can search for me on other social media platforms!

Don’t forget: 50 years of playing live!

More announcements soon!

PRE ORDER THE NEW ALBUM!

NEW ALBUM!

Exciting news!!!…It will be officially launched on the tour starting in July! Meanwhile you can pre-order the album right now! + a few offers you can’t refuse!

PRE ORDER THE NEW ALBUM HERE

Simply go to  our online shop and place the order. (Note the option to bundle)

 http://www.densitymusic.com/Shop.htm

In many ways this is a natural follow up to the “Catch the Fire” album.  After doing many tours in Poland, a set of circumstances led me to be introduced to Arthur Malik and Jacek Chruscinski in a car park in Grodkow, Poland. They were to be a pick up band for a gig that night in Chojnow, near Legnica. We found that we gelled as people and as a band. The gig didn’t exactly go to plan but the audience loved it. We joined forces for another tour later that year in Germany, Switzerland and Austria where a natural chemistry developed on stage. We did more work in Poland, Czech Republic and Luxembourg and it was decided to do the next KTB album together. This is my 12th album and I wanted to be creative , yet stay true to my roots. I wanted to be myself, yet in some way pay homage to those who have influenced me. A challenge but I think this has been achieved. It was recorded by Adam Drzewiecki over 3 days in DMP Studios in Krakow and about two weeks or so at Density Music in the UK.

Hey…a bit of perspective for ya. Music download sales are down by 60%. Vinyl sales up by 30%. Even cassettes are up by 12%. Ok CD sales are less than they were and streaming is up by 40%….well it would be….it’s free! When people bemoan that Cds aren’t selling… it’s not quite true. They still sell about 35 million a year! In a culture that now has so much choice I don’t think that is too bad. What it means is the fat cats can’t get the millions they used to. BUT for the working musician like me it is essential. If you want to ensure that musicians get what they are due to enable them to continue making quality music then buy the CD! The trend is back to physical media! Don’t listen to the propaganda….support real music played by real musicians. Don’t follow the herd….be your own person..oh and don’t forget to pre order my new album…”Transcendence”. Haha… you won’t regret it!

 Variation is the spice of life! Watch out for KTB in many forms out on the road!

JULY

Thursday 11th, Kraków Summer Jazz Festival, Harris Bar.

Saturday 13th, Kraków Summer Jazz Festival

Wednesday 17th, Sierzan, Poland.

Thursday 18th, Augustow Blues Marathon, Kaktusik, Augustow

Friday 19th, Augustow Blues Marathon, Jam session on the boat

Saturday 20th, Augustow Blues Marathon, Anfitheatre Stage

Sunday 21st, Orzycz, Poland

Monday 22nd, Club Pamela, Torun

Tuesday 23rd. Bugsy’s Music Restaurante, Pszczyna

Wednesday 24th, Kojetin, Czech Republic

Wednesday 31st. Gloucester Blues Festival, Cafe Rene, Gloucester (KTB)

AUG

3rd-6th Jerry Ricks Blues Festival, Kastav & Opatija, Croatia (KTB)Fiday 9th. Duck and Drake Music Venue, Leeds

Saturday 10th. Lowther Country Fair, Penrith

Saturday 31st. Shropshire Blues Club, Ludlow

SEPT

Sunday 1st. Prince Of Wales, Stafford.

Saturday 21st. Wotton Under Edge Blues Festival, Art Centre

We are working hard to add dates all the time so regularly check the web site: www.densitymusic.com

Keith Thompson Music – 2019

Hi Everyone,

Get the FREE download album, Timeless Vol 1. For a limited time only. 12 great tracks taken from previous albums. Just email info@densitymusic.com and put FREE ALBUM in the subject bar. The album will then be sent straight to your inbox!

The start to the year often seems relatively quiet…this year was no exception gig wise….but the spare time was welcome because I have two major recording projects on the go. My own band album, “Transcendence” and the new Jigantics album, as yet untitled.

The band album will be released definitely by July in time for touring, if not before. The album continues from where “Catch the Fire” left off. With this album, I wanted to be creative and yet stay true to the roots of Blues/Rock. I wanted to be myself, yet also in some way pay homage to those who have influenced me. A challenge but I think I have done that. This all came about during off days while on tour in Poland. Me and the guys, Jacek Chruscinski (Bass) and Artur Malik (Drums) went into DMP studios in Krakow and began recording. We sure had a lot of fun on tour and in the studio….I think it shows!

We will be touring again this summer…dates below:

JULY

Thursday 11th, Kraków Summer Jazz Festival, Harris Piano Bar, Poland

Saturday 13th, Kraków Summer Jazz Festival, Main Stage, Poland

Wednesday 17th, Club Sowa, Olsztyn, Poland

Thursday 18th, Augustow Blues Marathon, Kaktusik, Augustow, Poland

Friday 19th, Augustow Blues Marathon, Jam session on the boat, Poland

Saturday 20th, Augustow Blues Marathon, Anfitheatre Stage, Poland

Sunday 21st, Sierzan, Poland

Monday 22nd, Club Pamela, Torun, Poland

                                                 Wednesday 24th. Kojetin, Czech

Wednesday 31^st, Gloucester Blues Festival, Café Rene, Gloucester UK

AUGUST

Sunday 4th, Jerry Ricks Blues Festival, Kastav & Opatija, Croatia

Friday 9^th Duck and Drake Music Venue, Leeds UK

Saturday 10th. Lowther Game Fair, Penrith, UK

SEPTEMBER

Sunday 1st. Prince Of Wales, Stafford, UK

I recently started inviting people to ask me questions that I thought might make interesting content for the blog….so here goes!

1) What effects pedals do you use and why. What sound/tone are you aiming for?

Well….that is quite easy to answer. The guitarists that I was drawn to as a kid played  either a Strat or a Les Paul and more often than not a Marshall amp. The classic combination! I think some of the best tones on record ever were played by Paul Kossoff, Peter Green, Gary Moore, Jeff Beck, Dave Gilmour, Rory Gallagher….to name a few. The thing about them was that, even in the case of Gary Moore who used a very over driven sound, there was a purity about the sound too. Not only that, they were each unique. So….the conclusion I came to was that I did not want to copy them but I have always been striving for that same purity of sound….but I wanted it to be my own. The way I approach that is that I try to use mostly the natural sound of the amp and guitar. So pedals for the electric are quite minimal. The only pedal I use regularly is the “Marshall Guvnor” (Basically a Marshall sound in a box!). This is very useful for me especially when traveling and being presented with any number of back-line amps. I will on occasions use a wah pedal. There is usually a nice reverb on most amps these days so I always have a touch of that. Occasional delay pedal which is a nice touch….Amp always set with a slightly crunchy gain….not over done…and that is about it. The rest is in your head and your fingers!

2) Why the guitar in the first place

Uhmm well I was 5 years old when I started playing. As with many of my generation, I grew up listening to the Beatles, The Stones, Free, Led Zeppelin etc. All guitar bands. I just loved the sound of the guitar right from the start. I remember Hank Marvin was on TV a lot back then. Great, pure sound! My first guitar had to look like that with a tremelo arm. Rapier 33! (poor man’s Strat) but from then on I was hooked!

3) How do you approach your acoustic guitar playing?

Yes the acoustic is really a different beast. Some of the techniques are of course interchangeable but for the acoustic I tend to gravitate to a more slapping finger style approach….possibly because I used to listen to a lot of John Martyn. I think in many ways I have developed a fairly individual style on the acoustic. For me, it keeps this fresh. In the live situation I use pedals on the acoustic. Ironically  I use more pedals than I do for the electric.

From the beginning of the chain, on the right of the board:

a) Tuner. b) Compressor. c) Overdrive. d) Delay. e) Loop station. f) Hall of Fame Reverb Unit

4) Why did you record the album in Poland?

We started recording the album in Poland when we had some days off on the tour. We were getting on really well as a band and wanted to use the energy. The guys knew this great studio in Krakow where we were free to just knock tracks out. I did bring the files back to the UK to finish them off but hopefully we captured the energy. KTB has always been a fluid line up. Circumstances, budget and location all play a part in who is in the band at any given time.. You may notice that the picture at the top of the blog has yet another line up! This was taken at a one – off gig in Slovenia towards the end of 2018. The whole event was put together by a German promoter who just wanted to do his own thing!…I must say we had a blast though. Obviously it would be great if the band could be consistently the same line up but we are all busy people and in many ways it keeps the whole thing fresh.

Thanks for the questions and thanks to all who have supported me in many ways…..enjoyed my music, bought albums etc.

Hope that’s all good for you. Hope to see you out there at one of the gigs.

Keith

Keith Thompson Bluesnews! DEC. 2018

BROKEN WORLD – New Single from KEITH THOMPSON

All proceeds to  homelessness charities.

May I start by wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

So much has happened this year. As busy as ever with gigs as well as recording sessions, teaching guitar lessons, songwriting etc. Since my last blog I have toured with my band again, doing gigs in Poland, Luxembourg, Germany and the Czech Republic. The other band I am in, The Jigantics, have toured in Holland and I am about to perform at a one off blues event in Maribor, Slovenia. COME ON UK! What’s the matter with you!!! I have been able to do many acoustic gigs in the UK this year but no KTB gigs!

First though, I need to tell you about the brand new single, “Broken World”. Available to download now! Everywhere! All proceeds to homelessness charities. lyrics: Shaun Freke. All music and instrumentation: Keith Thompson. The cover was designed by Chris Barnes. Please help by clicking on the link and downloading the track.

DO IT NOW!   Itunes  or  CD Baby

Other news: Work has begun on a brand new Keith Thompson Band album! It will be released next year and tour dates are being booked. It is already sounding fantastic! I can’t wait for you to hear it.

A new web site is also being put together so I will tell you about that when it goes live sometime early in 2019.

Density Music web site will of course continue but this will eventually be just the business side of things; the record label and the agency.

Some recent pictures to leave you with:

Thank you for your support. Happy Christmas!

Keith Thompson Music News

Hi Everyone.

There is so much happening that  another bulletin has become necessary. For those who don’t yet subscribe to “Blues In Britain” magazine, I have included the original full interview with journalist Peter Clack at the bottom of the page.

 

Things change and develop so quickly that I am having a job keeping up myself!

I have just completed yet another tour of Poland which saw us play at Augustow Blues Marathon and Hard Rock Club Pamela in Torun among many others. The reception we received from audiences was outstanding! Circumstances have meant that I have had to expand my pool of musicians. The latest line up of the band, Jacek Chruscinski (bass) and Artur Malik (drums) has proved to be so enjoyable that the audiences are picking up on the good chemistry between us. While in Poland we started work on a new album! I didn’t expect this but we are working on this now and hopefully it will be released very soon…..within the year!

Acoustic solo gigs are still progressing well. Just did the Guiting Power Music Festival, here in the UK. Rain was threatening to dampen spirits but actually it was a very enjoyable event.

Work on the “Broken World” charity single for the Eden Gate charity, working for the homeless is well underway. This is a collaboration between me and Shaun Freke and will be aired for the first time at a band gig in Chepstow in December. Details at the bottom of the page.

Also playing with the Jigantics. (Folk/Roots)

KEITH THOMPSON INTERVIEW – Blues In Britain July 2018
Hi Keith, I first saw you a few years back now when Keith Thompson’s
Strange Brew were playing at the Gloucester Blues Festival, it was, I
remember a great set and the band produced an equally good album.
Could you say a little bit about yourself, how you got to play the
guitar, those who influenced your playing, where you began to perform
live and your early bands please. And a little on your background and
introduction to the blues.

Yes that must’ve been a long time back. Over 10 years! We dropped
the “Strange Brew” name because people kept confusing us with a
Cream tribute band, plus with several line up changes, it was decided
to opt for “Keith Thompson Band”…keeping things nice and simple.
Wow, that’s several questions in one there!….I began playing around 5
years of age so I really don’t remember ever not playing. I started
getting noticed at school and won talent contests by the time I was 8
and by the age of 14, I was playing locally in pubs and clubs. There
were a couple of school bands. I guess the first ever gig was in front of
the school. I taught a mate of mine to play guitar and out of that
came my first serious band. I think we went through several name
changes eventually settling on “Poacher Brown”. We were big shots in
our hometown of Cheltenham but it was with this band that I did my
first real pro gig! Wind on a few years, by now I had left school and
worked as a printer but I quit when we got the chance to play in
Germany. That was a life changing experience…we had to play 5x 45
minute sets every night. 6 on weekends! After that experience we
came back to Cheltenham and formed a new band with another local
big shot…Mick “Wurzel” Burston, later of Motorhead fame. This band
was called, “Bunter”. It was a great little band in a similar style to
Thin Lizzy with the twin guitars. We did well, that is until punk hit
the UK….but that’s another story! My influences were varied…most
prominent were, “The Beatles”, “Free”, “Rory Gallagher”, “Cream”,
“Fleetwood Mac”, “The Groundhogs” and many more. Plus I also
listened to more song based folk music that my sister was into, “Cat
Stevens”, The Strawbs”, “Fairport Convention” and the legendary
“John Martyn”. The Blues came later. One epiphany moment was
when I was listening to the chart stuff on Radio 1 and out of the blue
they played “Burn out your Blind Eyes” by John Mayall. I had never
heard anything like that before and I didn’t understand anything about blues at that point but I guess that was the very beginning of a
long journey of discovery.

Alongside the albums with bands you’ve also produced two fine
examples of the acoustic side of your talent, mainly as you say as a
blues rocker, could you say how and what inspired them, the most
recent 2017’s Two Minutes to Midnight, was outstanding.

Thanks, well I always had this other side to me. For many years I
wrote these acoustic songs that no-one ever heard. I did start doing a
few gigs in the 80’s ‘cos I was written off as a dinosaur by then in my
early 20’s as “Punk” and “New Wave”, closely followed by the dreaded
drum machine took over!….so I took a bit of a side step into the world
of the singer/songwriter. Song writing is like anything else, it takes a
long time to get really good at it so some of the early songs might be
a bit painful to listen to now. However, I was always noticed more for
my guitar playing and I made a reasonable living as a session guy in
the late 80’s and 90’s. I started doing blues gigs around this time with
a couple of local guys and we got signed by a record label based in
Switzerland…so the acoustic stuff took a back seat again. Record
labels always want you to be genre specific so that they can more
easily market what you do. It’s only relatively recently that I re-
visited the acoustic stuff. I am an avid songwriter so by now I had a
backlog of songs as well as new ideas that didn’t fit what we were
doing in the band at that time. This resulted in the two acoustic
albums…the most recent being “Two Minutes to Midnight” Also, I
never want to stand still. Being creative means that you are
continually progressing, and trying different things. In 40 plus years of
playing I would say that not surprisingly it hasn’t always worked but I
guess for the most part it has.

When you did your most recent full band album ‘Catch the Fire’ it not
only brought some amazing reviews but saw you recording alongside
both Buddy Whittington and Laurence Jones. I remember chatting to
you at a festival about the album, which I could tell you were pretty
excited with.

Yeah, I wanted to make an old school blues-rock album really. I had
the Climax Blues Band rhythm section and after several tours we were
pretty hot. This line up played several gigs in Croatia, One of which
was, Umag Blues Festival where we met bass man Pete Stroud. He was playing with Papa George at the time. I just remember that we all got
on really well. Anyway it was Pete that introduced me to Buddy
Whittington. It just so happened that later that year I was doing a
little tour in the USA starting in Dallas, Texas. This is where Buddy is
from so he invited me on stage with him in the Fortworth area. Buddy
is a fantastic player as you know and I just asked him if he would
guest on my album on a couple of tracks. “Sure, juss gimmie a hollar!”
was his reply so there you go….I did! Laurence was playing on the
same bill as us at Banbury blues Festival. I went over and started
chatting and I think he just came out with it that he would play on a
track if I wanted him to so yeah….he came over, we chatted guitars,
jammed a bit and then I just got him to let rip on “Getting Ready For
The Burn”…. and he’s been letting rip ever since! Haha.

One of your strengths alongside your vocal and guitar talents is being a
strong songwriter, how did this side of your career emerge, or were
you not keen on playing covers as many used to.

Yeah I started off a long time ago playing covers and I have done more
than my fair share of playing cover band gigs. I began writing songs
almost from day one and even in my early gigs; I always threw in a
couple of originals. Ever since I started releasing albums though it’s
been the other way around…throwing in a couple of covers! I actually
consider myself as a songwriter at least as equal to my guitar playing,
either solo or with a band. The buzz for me is seeing an idea emerge
out of nothing to be a finished creation. That’s exciting and I feel like
I am giving more of myself that way. I love the artists that I was
inspired by…I learned from them but I never wanted to be a copy of
them. I love to play and guitar solos are great but only if they
enhance and build the song. Also, you know, if I set myself up as just a
great guitarist, then I have some pretty big boots to fill so the song is
the king for me.

How does having your own studio plus your own production company
Density Music make a difference and obviously give you full access on
your music, but doing things your way. Many now are producing their
own then finding a market for them, what’s your take on this side of
things?

It really grew out of necessity. I came to the conclusion that no one
was going do it for me so I did it myself. Quite early on I decided that
if I was going to get into this business then I needed to know more
about all the aspects of the business. I learned the recording process, I
did “Live” sound engineering, studio production, I did some work for a
record company learning about copyright, licensing etc. I’ve booked
my own gigs, created my own web site. It is just the way things have
turned out. I was always looking for agents and managers and all the
help I could find but I wasn’t going to sit around doing nothing while I
waited! I guess you could always bemoan the fact that I wasn’t picked
up by a major label or something but in retrospect everything I have
achieved I have done myself, no hype, no massive industry backing. I
have my own little cottage industry. I guess I just don’t give up easily!
I look back now at, at least 30 European tours, 10 album releases and
a varied musical experience. That is pretty satisfying.

You tour Europe most years, how do you find audiences there say,
compared to here.

As a generalization, I have always found that the audiences in Europe
have been very knowledgeable. They take it very seriously and they
can tell me who my influences are and who plays with who. They also
don’t seem to have quite the problem with age as we have here in the
UK. It is not unusual for there to be younger guys in the audience. I
am sure that they would tell you that the same problems exist there
as here and I certainly know of clubs that have now closed, just the
same, but generally I think we have a bigger problem in the UK.
Poland for example, it is still really very much part of the culture to
go out to a live gig, not just the big gigs. Having said that, I am really
grateful for all those loyal supporters that come to our gigs but it is
really hard to move forward in the UK I think.

Last year you used on some solo shows amazing background scenes that
added depth to the songs, from railroads, to scenes of Britain to photos
of some blues greats, how did this come about, because it was hugely
effective to see on those live shows.

Well it first came about when I did a few shows with a friend of mine
who is a writer/storyteller. I decided to use the backdrop video
projection to add some colour and meaning to the songs. Again, it was
a case of doing it myself. I got into taking video and editing just for
fun really. It is a bit more creative than just “doing a gig” and so
where possible I use this mainly on the solo shows.

With the number of venues closing for live music, how is life on the
road for a working musician today, and can live music pay enough?

Well it’s pretty tough unless you have money behind you! I guess
everyone’s experience in this is different. If you’re Ed Sheeran it is
probably great but you know; this country has absolutely loads of
artists and musicians and not enough places to play really.  I
am one of the lucky ones in that I am still finding outlets with the
European connection and also play in other bands…currently playing in
the Jigantics who are more on the Folk/Americana end of the
spectrum. There are many promoters out there doing the best they
can, and let’s face it, they are mostly volunteers who do it simply for
the love of the music. They can’t afford to lose money any more than
we can so there you go; it’s a vicious circle. It’s sad when I hear of
great bands giving up or clubs closing because they just can’t make
ends meet. I have something of an entrepreneur spirit so I seem to
keep finding a way to continue. Again, I am really thankful that there
are those that are dedicated in coming out to support us and other
acts like us. We couldn’t do it at all without them! I am just saying
trying to make a living as a musician has never been easy; even in the
70’s I can’t say it was exactly easy! Of course, I can only speak for
myself in this. Someone else may have a totally different perspective
and feel they are having the ride of their lives!… If you meet ‘em,
then send ‘em my way will you!

Finally Keith, future plans, recordings, tours (both band and solo),
festivals and Europe. What can we expect to see from you this year?

Yes I have a pretty full diary really. All details are on my web site:
http://www.densitymusic.com
I have ideas for recording…I want to take my time but the idea is to
bring the two sides, electric and acoustic, together for a really great
album. Meanwhile I will be releasing new songs from time to time on
Itunes and other downloading sites along with videos on
YouTube….just to whet the appetite! First there is the new KTB album!

TOUR DATES

August

Mon 6th, Black Book Cafe, Lifting the Blues event, Stroud (KT solo acoustic)

Sat 18th, Miserden Folk Club, Carpenter’s Arms, Miserden (Jigantics)

September

Saturday 1st, Peppers, Bull Lane, Gloucester(Jigantics) 3.30pm

15th -16th, Midlands Game Fair, Shifnal (Jigantics)

October

3rd – 15th October Tour Poland – Czech Republic – Luxembourg (Keith Thompson Band)

Thursday 11th,City Theatre Club, Kolin, Czech (KTB)

Saturday 13th. The Blues Club, Letzbuerg. Grand Hotel, Vianden. Luxembourg (KTB)

Monday 15th, Hlucin, Czech (KTB)

Wednesday 17th. Willows Folk Club, Arundel. (Jigantics)

Thursday 25th. Drill Hall, Chepstow. Opening for the Marbletones (KT solo acoustic)

26th Oct – 4th November, Holland Tour (Jigantics)
27th, Café de Lantaern, Holland (Jigantics)

November
Thursday 1st. Theater De Wegwijzer, Molenweg 25, 4339 AA Nw.- En St. Joosland, Holland (Jigantics)
Friday 2nd. Peter en Leni, Damsterweg 20 9629 PD Steendam, Holland (Jigantics)
Sunday 4th, Roots aan De Zaan, De Kleine Waarheid, Klauwershoek 4-8 Zaandam, NL TBA. Holland (Jigantics)

December

Saturday 1st. Linton Village Hall (Jigantics)
Sunday 2nd, Folk on the Moor, Lee Mill, Devon (Jigantics)
Friday 14th, Hinckley ACT Christmas party, Leicestershire (Jigantics)

Tuesday 11th, Bristol Blues Club (KTB)

Saturday 15th. Drill Hall, Chepstow (KTB) (Release of “Broken World” charity CD)

Keith Thompson Music – News

Hi Everyone,

I was recently explaining to someone how all my gigs were going and they shocked me with their response, “Oh I see, are you retired now?….that must be great!”. This sadly is not that unusual a response. The shock was that I thought this person knew better. The thing is that many people my age do manage to retire early but this isn’t the case for me. You see, for way over 40 years I have played music professionally or semi-professionally. I left school at 15 and for over half my working life I have made a living out of music. I have lost count how many times I have toured in Poland, Switzerland, Germany, Austria to name a few. It has been a regular thing to headline a large festival in Europe or a well known venue. I have released several albums. worked in studios as a session guitarist and as a producer/engineer. All this with no or very little industry help or PR hype…but that’s another story! Of course all this is mentioned on my web site but I think some people find it hard to believe…maybe because in the UK I haven’t got a high profile as such. I am not on the TV or radio etc. I have been on TV in Europe but that isn’t something that happens every day. Mostly I am a working musician. This is just what I do! Aah but that’s another problem…many people don’t see music as work!

I know that there will always be some that don’t get it. I’m actually fine with that…but just in case there is any doubt, below is a summary of what I am currently involved in.

Solo acoustic shows

Things are hotting up…and it’s not just the weather! Just completed a little run of solo acoustic gigs. The solo show continues to develop; very enjoyable to incorporate video projection into the show. I continue writing new songs and I put together all the videos to the songs as well…so it can take up a  lot of time. It is a labour of love though. My two acoustic albums, “Steel Strings and Bruised Reed” and “Two Minutes to Midnight” have both been well received by the music press and the public alike.

 

Keith Thompson Band

Keith Thompson Band is  a very fluid situation. Very enjoyable gig in Austria last month with the German rhythm section at Brucknerhaus Theatre, Linz. Also a lot of touring in the pipeline with the Polish guys. I have also been writing and recording new material….mostly with me playing all the instruments myself! (I am essentially a solo artist that sometimes plays with a full band) I now have way more than I need for a new album. It’s at the final stages of tweaking and selection. It will then just be a case of awaiting the right time for release. We all know that there are changing attitudes to the sale of albums too…so that will also be a consideration.

The Jigantics

The Jigantics continue to keep me occupied in between my own shows. Gigs have included, Birmingham, The Isle Of White, Maidenhead and Selsey. The Jigs seem to be on a constantly changing path too. Currently we are on a more acoustic trajectory which certainly suits the current crop of gigs.

Other recordings

In the UK I will soon have some very exciting news which involves a project helping the homeless. I have co-written a song with Shaun Freke called, Broken World. We are releasing it and doing a Keith Thompson Band gig to raise money and awareness via the charity “Eden Gate”. This will probably be released as an EP with a few other songs too. All I can say is that the process is well underway.

 

Songwriting/Computer Games/Library Music etc.

From time to time I get asked to write and record audio for computer games. I delivered the last one a few weeks ago but these projects are fun and creative work. I have, however recently written songs for other artists that have been reasonably successful; charting in the artists country of origin. Library music is  quiet right now but continues to be an occasional source of work.

TOUR DATES

13th – 24th, Poland Tour (Keith Thompson Band)

July

Fri 13th Niepolomice (KTB)
Sat 14th, Krakow Summer Festival Open Air (KTB)
Wed 18th,Club Sowa, Olsztyn (KTB)
Thurs. 19th, Sierzan (KTB)
Fri 20th, KTB host the jam session on the lake! Blues Marathon, Augustow, Poland (KTB)
Sat 21st, Main Stage, Amfiteatr – Blues Marathon, Augustow, Poland (KTB)
Mon 23rd, Club Pamela, Torun (KTB)
Tues 24th, Krakow Summer Festival, Harris Jazz Piano Bar (KTB)

Sunday 29th, Guiting Power Music Festival (KT Solo acoustic – on stage 12.00 noon)

August

Mon 6th, Black Book Cafe, Lifting the Blues event, Stroud (KT solo acoustic)

Sat 18th, Miserden Folk Club, Carpenter’s Arms, Miserden (Jigantics)

September

Saturday 1st, Peppers, Bull Lane, Gloucester(Jigantics) 3.30pm

15th -16th, Midlands Game Fair, Shifnal (Jigantics)

October

8th – 15th October Tour Poland – Czech Republic – Luxembourg (Keith Thompson Band)

Thursday 11th,City Theatre Club, Kolin, Czech (KTB)

Saturday 13th. The Blues Club, Letzbuerg. Grand Hotel, Vianden. Luxembourg (KTB)

Monday 15th, Hlucin, Czech (KTB)

Wednesday 17th. Willows Folk Club, Arundel. (Jigantics)

26th October – 4th November, Holland Tour (Jigantics)

27th, Café de Lantaern, Holland (Jigantics)

November

Thursday 1st. Theater De Wegwijzer, Molenweg 25, 4339 AA Nw.- En St. Joosland, Holland (Jigantics)
Friday 2nd. Peter en Leni, Damsterweg 20 9629 PD Steendam, Holland (Jigantics)
Sunday 4th, Roots aan De Zaan, De Kleine Waarheid, Klauwershoek 4-8 Zaandam, NL TBA. Holland (Jigantics)

December

Saturday 1st. Linton Village Hall (Jigantics)
Sunday 2nd, Folk on the Moor, Lee Mill, Devon (Jigantics)
Friday 14th, Hinckley ACT Christmas party, Leicestershire (Jigantics)

Tuesday 11th, Bristol Blues Club (KTB)

Saturday 15th. Drill Hall, Chepstow (KTB)