Bobby Thompson, an awe-inspiring master guitarist and vocalist, is a seasoned figure in the blues and rock scene. His early days were spent learning the ropes in the historic blues clubs of D.C., where he drew inspiration from the likes of Bobby Parker. Having established himself as a highly sought-after supporting musician, Thompson eventually made the leap to pursue a solo career, going on to release seven albums since 2011.
It is often said that creativity requires courage, and self-expression is a means of revealing one's inner soul to the world. Continuously crafting new material and actively working on fresh albums, Bobby has bravely opened up and evolved beyond the instrumentalist persona for which he initially gained recognition. He thrives in both acoustic solo and electric band performances, infusing each with an unwavering authenticity and professionalism. As a songwriter, Thompson has transcended his guitar-centric roots, cultivating a dedicated following through his comprehensive approach to delivering a captivating live music experience that takes audiences on a transformative journey.
Thompson expresses his desire to uphold the rich tradition of blues and folk music, emphasizing the importance of solid interpretation and original songwriting over imitation. He draws inspiration from legendary figures such as Taj Mahal, John Hammond Jr., and Mississippi John Hurt, all of whom hold esteemed positions in his vinyl catalog. Additionally, Thompson cherishes the influence of friends like Lightnin’ Hopkins and Townes Van Zandt, as well as the blues repertoire of Bob Dylan. He acknowledges the close kinship between blues and folk music, affirming his commitment to perpetuating this tradition through his own songwriting and performances.
Thompson reflects on his early musical beginnings, recounting how he initially followed in his sister's footsteps by embarking on piano lessons before eventually delving into the realm of guitar playing. Encouraged by his uncle to explore the electric guitar during his teenage years, Thompson found his passion and never looked back. Throughout the years, he pursued musical education both in academic settings and through real-world experiences, gaining comprehensive insights into the intricacies of delivering unforgettable performances that resonate with audiences long after the show concludes.
In 2018, Bobby Thompson was awarded a WAMMIE (Washington Area Music Association) for the best blues album, underscoring his remarkable musical prowess. While his compositions bear the strong influence of blues, Thompson primarily identifies himself as a folk-blues singer-songwriter. The convergence of skillful songwriting, blues elements, and exceptional guitar work is vividly showcased in his live performances. Renowned for his relentless work ethic, Thompson has taken the helm of bands like Blueheart Revival and Revelator Hill, in addition to providing his instrumental expertise as a sideman for notable artists such as Justin Jones (930 Club Records) and Laura Tsaggaris. Notably, he embarked on a three-month tour with SOJA in 2009, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability across different musical environments.
THE OLD HOME ALBUM STORY+
IT ALL STARTED WHEN…
Bobby started writing more on the acoustic guitar in 2018 after Revelator Hill took a break from recording and touring. By the summer of ‘18, after a tour that led the group to the Donnacona Blues Festival in Canada, the group began a hiatus, which left Bobby to truly put his solo career first. Up until that point, he mainly composed songs with the group in mind, leaving sections unfinished so the other musicians could contribute parts and arrangements. Left on his own in 2019 with an acoustic guitar and some Weissenborns, Bobby took to traveling with notebooks and ears and eyes wide open. By the summer of 2019, he had a few raw ideas for new songs, like ‘Someone Else’s Blues’ and ‘Hillside’, essentially recording ideas on his iPhone voice memos until the device was full and couldn’t hold anymore.
The first digital single from the new recording sessions, called ‘Fog to Clear’ was written on a foggy night in the fall of ‘19, and finished before the epic pandemic lockdown began the following March. With COVID taking essentially strangling the live music scene in 2020, musicians had to find new ways to improvise. Recording for the new album continued, but great care was taken when entering the studio, masked, and with only two people in the room. Taking his acoustic guitars to Ivakota studios in Washington DC, and with the help of Ben Green (engineer) and Ben Tufts (drums, percussion), the new album continued unabated. A fine example of how musicians learned to work together was how Bobby and his former touring band consisting of Seth Morrissey (upright bass) and Jeff Mills (drums) were able to remotely finish the track ‘Hillside’, with Ben adding percussion in the studio.
With additional sessions completed at Saint Cecilia Studios in Tucson, Arizona, the album was eventually completed by 2021 and released on Arlinfolk Records. Featuring 8 original songs, and with no electric guitars on the record, this was the first album in Thompson’s vast catalog to position him as a singer-songwriter, and also features his first ever piano credit, on the sultry western ‘Patience Walks Thin’.
2021 and 2022 saw the music world return, as live performances came back with excitement and fortitude. One of the first live shows upon his return was a solo acoustic performance at a rug shop in Arlington, Virginia, including songs from ‘Old Home’ and some of his previous records, all acoustic, with cameras rolling. ‘Live at the Rug Shop’ is now available as a digital release, also on Arlinfolk Records.
To commemorate the release, the new 2023 ‘Old Home’ Deluxe Edition will be released Friday, March 3, with a new CD design, and bonus studio tracks recorded at Ivakota Studios. Enjoy.
Listen to the OLD HOME Deluxe Edition Album on Bandcamp
Watch the official retro ‘Someone Else’s Blues’ video on YouTube
Watch the ‘Live at the Rug Shop’ solo acoustic performance, from May 2021