Sunday evening at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro, longtime Guy Clark sideman Verlon Thompson made a rare appearance in this area of the state.
Thompson is an extremely accomplished songwriter and prolific flatpicker who, until recently, had not focused on his own solo career. Despite having a major-label record deal in the ’80s, he met Guy Clark and realized he was not happy. Clark then took him on the road, and they have spent the last 30 years performing together. As Thompson mentioned during Sunday’s performance, he came on board with Clark for the Old Friends album, and they soon became just that.
Thompson told many stories throughout the evening, including ones about his family from Binger, Okla., his time working for Loretta Lynn and, of course, his many travels with Guy Clark. Unlike many solo singer-songwriters who tell extended stories before performing a song, Thompson’s were interesting, insightful and funny. We hope to see him in this neck of the woods often.
Below are a few clips from Sunday’s performance: “The Guitar,” “Darwettia’s Mandolin” and “The Ballad of Stringbean and Estelle.”
