21 f 12 shots from the fRoots Rocket Launcher a dozen leading questions to fire at Linda Thompson


If you were given the funds to organise a concert bill, who would the artists be?


That bill would change almost daily, but today: Doc Watson, Iris De Ment and Ralph Stanley. Doc because he’s my favourite acoustic guitar player. He used to play a whole tune just using his left hand on the fretboard and because his left hand is so strong you could hear it loud and clear. Iris because she’s the real deal, and one of the loudest singers ever (are you sensing a theme here? I love loud). Ralph Stanley cause he kills me.


Which totally obscure record do you most treasure and would like more people to know about?


Is Famous Blue Raincoat obscure enough? Not only is Famous Blue Rain- coat quite obscure, so is Jennifer [Warnes] – well, reclusive anyway. Very, very amazing singer.


What was the best live gig you ever saw?


The Band. Probably the Beatles too, though there was really too much scream- ing to tell. The Band were playing the Albert Hall. At that time the acoustics in


there were awful but it didn’t stop them. They were so in tune! Richard Manuel was a heartbreaking individual with a superla- tive voice.


And what was the worst?


The Monkees. I’ve been asked to make these answers a tad longer than this, but really, what more can I say?


What was your own best ever gig?


Lisdoonvarna Folk Festival, myriad moons ago. I actually carried the review around for years, what a saddo!


And what was your worst?


The Bootle Hard-of-Hearing Club. I’m not even making that up .


What’s the professional achievement you’re most proud of?


Having musical children. It seems to be a folk gene. My grandson who’s 16 just loves traditional music. Poor bugger may never make a dime.


What’s the most embarrassing thing you ever did in public?


Get married.


Which song or piece of music would you most like to have written yourself?


To Ramona by Bob Dylan. I could have picked a hundred songs, but this is a great one and I love that name.


Who was the first musician or singer you were inspired to emulate?


Connie Francis. Oh, she had that sob in her voice, Brenda Lee too.


Who was the last-but-one musician or singer you lusted after?


James Rhodes. This guy is so great, a


bit batty, à la Glenn Gould, but an exquisite pianist. Very clever and interest- ing and dishy.


If you had a rocket launcher, who or what would be the target, and why?


The people who compile these bloody questionnaires.


Linda is currently engaged in record- ing her next album. Keep a watch on fRootsfor more details.


myspace.com/lindathompsonmusic F


root salad


“Worst gig? The Bootle Hard-of-


Hearing Club. I’m not even making that up.”


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