In the reverse of his Grandfather’s journey, for Shakespeare Avenue Thompson moved his family to Dartmoor to write and record with a new approach that delved further down the folk path, spurred by his connection with good friend and folk-star Seth Lakeman.
Seth, his brother Sean (who’s supurb production perfectly accentuates Thompson’s songs), and Sean’s partner the sublime Kathryn Roberts all feature on Shakespeare Avenue. Often referred to as a “virtual folk dynasty”, the trio bring their heavyweight musicianship to the record.
Thompson’s narrative, character based, emotive songs have long earned him comparisons to Springsteen and Mellancamp, however this time there is also a distinct Richard Thompson, Christy Moore, Dick Gaughin folk edge.
The connection with the Lakeman clan, together with the move to England, has paid dividends with what is undeniably Thompson’s best work to date.
“This is quality songwriting” – Jeff Jenkins, Living in the Land of OZ
“A treasure in the Australian musical landscape” – The Dwarf