It wasn’t false modesty that defined Danny Thompson‘s view of his capabilities; it was a measure of a genius that the English musician – who died on September 23rd, aged 86 – refused to see the profundity of what he created. A virtuoso whose mastery of contrabass seemed unequaled in folk rock circles and anchored a plethora of classic platters in most exquisite ways, Thompson also showed how sensual and sympathetic the electric instrument could be, which made him more than a mere accompanist to such unique talents as Nick Drake, John Martyn and Sandy Denny, to mention but three of those Danny worked with.
The list of those who required his services is impressive. Thompson’s discography includes a lot of groundbreaking albums, among them Kate Bush’s “Hounds Of Love” and “Barabajagal” by Donovan, Peter Gabriel’s “Up” and “Every Picture Tells A Story” by Rod Stewart, Richard Barbieri’s “Stranger Inside” and “Congratulations” by Cliff Richard. Quite befitting for the player who started off with Alexis Korner’s BLUES INCORPORATED, as many other performers who shaped the course of British rock, before co-founding PENTANGLE and giving traditional formula another dimension. Danny would have been a star even if he stayed within this genre, yet stylistic frontiers used to be something this artist prefered to push, rather than recognize, all the while denying his importance.
In ill-health for the past few years, Danny Thompson continued to record – from home – amassing an amazing catalogue, a legacy worthy of investigation and acclaim. Rest in Peace, master.
