BOBBY THOMPSON

Bobby Thompson, a mesmerizing guitarist and captivating vocalist, stands out as a luminary in the realms of blues and rock music. Honing his craft in the legendary blues clubs of D.C., he absorbed the influences of guitarists like Bobby Parker and Tom Principato, shaping his own distinctive style. Transitioning from a coveted supporting musician to a solo artist, Thompson has showcased his exceptional songwriting prowess and guitar showmanship, releasing a remarkable seven albums since 2011, solidifying his place as a dynamic force in the music industry.

Renowned for his courage and creativity, Thompson fearlessly delves into the depths of self-expression, using his music as a window to his soul. Evolving beyond his instrumentalist origins, he continuously pushes boundaries, crafting new material and releasing fresh albums that showcase his growth as an artist. Whether performing solo with his acoustic guitar or leading an electric band on stage, Thompson's authenticity and professionalism shine through, captivating audiences with each note. As a songwriter, he has expanded his horizons beyond his guitar-centric beginnings, cultivating a devoted fan base through his holistic approach to delivering unforgettable live performances that transport listeners on a transformative musical odyssey.

Inspired by the rich legacy of blues and folk music, he is keen on preserving its essence by prioritizing authentic interpretation and original songwriting over mere imitation. Influenced by iconic figures including Taj Mahal, John Hammond Jr., and Mississippi John Hurt, who hold revered places in his collection of vinyl records, he also values the impact of John Fahey, the folk musician from Takoma Park, MD. Alongside the guiding influence of companions like Lightnin’ Hopkins and Townes Van Zandt, as well as the blues catalog of Bob Dylan, Thompson recognizes the deep connection between blues and folk genres. He is dedicated to carrying forward this musical heritage through his own compositions and live performances.

Delving into his musical origins, Thompson reminisces about his humble beginnings, tracing his journey from piano lessons, inspired by his sister, to the enchanting world of guitar playing. Encouraged by his uncle to venture into the realm of the electric guitar during his formative teenage years, Thompson discovered his true calling and embraced it wholeheartedly. Over time, he honed his skills through a blend of formal music education and hands-on experiences, delving deep into the nuances of creating memorable performances that linger in the hearts of audiences well after the final note fades.

In 2018, Bobby Thompson's exceptional musical talent was recognized with a prestigious WAMMIE (Washington Area Music Association) for the best blues album, a testament to his outstanding abilities. While deeply rooted in the blues tradition, Thompson primarily considers himself a folk-blues singer-songwriter, blending soulful songwriting with intricate guitar work in his compositions. His live performances vividly illustrate the fusion of skillful songwriting, blues influences, and masterful guitar craftsmanship. Known for his unwavering dedication to his craft, Thompson has led bands like Blueheart Revival and Revelator Hill, while also lending his instrumental skills to support renowned artists such as Justin Jones (930 Club Records) and Laura Tsaggaris. Noteworthy is his extensive experience, including a successful three-month tour with SOJA in 2009, showcasing his versatility and adaptability in diverse musical settings.

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.

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