It’s been nine years since international troubadour Carus Thompson released the career defining double live album Acoustic at the Norfolk. Plenty has changed in those nine years, there have been albums recorded, tours completed and Thompson has found himself become both a husband and a father. Nine years on, Thompson found himself back at the Norfolk recording the sequel.
Recorded back in January, Acoustic at the Norfolk Volume II was recorded over two hot and humid nights. The only prerequisite being that the songs played, didn’t appear on the original. There were songs from his most recent records, some rarities, some classics plus a few new ones chucked in for good measure.
I’ve not always understood the purpose of live albums. I own a couple, the original Acoustic at the Norfolk being one of them. I’ve always felt that buying the live album of a show, if you weren’t there, is a way of punishing yourself. Hammering it home to yourself what you missed out on. That connection between artist and audience isn’t necessarily there, and you’re generally left wishing you hadn’t had to work that night.
If you were at the gig of course, they serve as a worthy testament of the night, the little kick you need to remember great nights and good times. Acoustic at the Norfolk Vol. II does that. It reminds me of that hot humid night back in January, but it also reminds me of other nights and other tours. Maybe that’s the sign of a great live album?
There are some beautiful moments on this record. The intimacy of the venue really works in Thompson’s favour, it’s given him the freedom to play his quieter and more introspective songs and really showcase himself as a songwriter. It doesn’t hurt of course that he’s carolled a great bunch of musicians into his backing band. The musicianship on the record is excellent, from delicate piano riffs, soulful fiddle playing, to some spine tingling harmonica. The vibe on this record is different to its predecessor. Yes it has its upbeat moments, notably You Can’t Find Me and Your Eyes Are Bleeding. But for the most part Thompson has picked songs, which really show of his pedigree as a songwriter.
Acoustic at the Norfolk Volume II is a more than worthy successor to the original. It really highlights Thompson’s skill as both a songwriter and a showman, proving that you don’t need fancy lights and pyrotechnics to put on a good show; just great songs and great crowd. Volume II is sure to join its predecessor as a fan favourite; it’s already one of mine.
Review Score: 9.0/10
———-
