Keith Thompson

Normally found fronting his band alongside members of The Climax Blues Band, this new collection of tracks finds Keith in mostly stripped back acoustic form and in the company of saxophonist Patsy Gamble. What I particularly like about this CD are the audio dynamics of the production - the clarity is exemplary. The sax playing is certainly complimentary and held beautifully in check so that it is not overpowering. "Why can't You Be Good" kicks the album off with a nice driving beat. then it is off to Mississippi Delta for the tragedy of the floods in "Bad rain". When I listen to "Heart & Soul" I hear Bad Company's seagull in places. this is due to the sound of Keith's acoustic guitar and the pace of the track, not in any way related to the lyrics - those are completely different. Loads here to enjoy. I liked this a lot!
- Blues Matters

This is Thompson's first acoustic release, but far from his first album. It is a mixture of songs for which he had previously been unable to find a home and old songs he has re-worked to suit the form. According to Thompson, acoustic is how he entertains himself, rather than his public, but, judging by this, perhaps he should, somewhat unusually, consider sharing his private proclivities more publicly, more often.

There is, you see,exquisite delicacy to Thompson's music, the sort of quality that terrifies when doing the washing up but engenders such enchanting pathos when found in art. Contributory to this delecacy is Thompson's sweet, yet modest vocals, his gentle, intricate acoustic plucking; the simplicity, even ascetism of what accompanies this; and, perhaps crucially, the modest contained air with which it is all performed. The consequence is not so much a sound as a mood, an all-consuming atmosphere of quiet tragedy, a very English sort of contained personal collapse.

SS&BR is fine in every sense. It's quality - understated and anything but overt as it is - is easily missed for the music is brave enough to reward the intentness of the listener exponentially. But reward it most certainly does. Rating 9/10.
- Blues In Britain

“Keith Thompson finally and without doubt on the top level of the British Blues-Rock-guitar-players. With a lot of power, energy and creativity, added with matching song lyrics and from time to time a hard ground beat, which always leaves enough space for the virtuosity of the master. This music is timeless” - Swiss Music (CH)

"The best album of the blues/rock genre I have heard in a long time" - Hard Roxx (UK)

"An extremely infectious Blues/Rock Album from Keith Thompson & Strange Brew" - Powerplay Magazine (UK)

"Rip Snorting Blues/Rock. Stomps along like there's no tomorrow" - Rock & Reel Magazine (EIR)

The “Out Of The Smoke” album is rocking blues throughout with delightful thick, warm tones from Keith’s guitar. The album kicks off with “Tumblin’ Dice”, a number with quality electric slide guitar. This number gets you hooked for what is a pleasant and superb album. Keith’s vocals are passionate and emotive throughout and the band’s musicianship lays down a solid backdrop to allow Keith to express himself admirably. - Blues Matters Magazine (UK)

One thing I liked about this album (Strange Brew) is that it is song based, so no ten – hour guitar solos for a change (nice). The horn section fits in nicely and we even have an accordion on one of the songs. This is an exceptionally good album with a good mix of songs including a good version of “Crossroads” and well worth adding to your collection. - Blues Matters Magazine (UK)

"An extremely infectious Blues/Rock Album from Keith Thompson & Strange Brew" - Powerplay Magazine (UK)

Independence is a faultless, flawless, blinding gem of a blues/rock album. From the opening explosion of Crash 'n' Burn to the sultry delta closing of Honest to God, not a second is wasted. The man behind it all is Keith Thompson an experienced and in demand musician he has gathered around him like minded disciples in the guise of Neil Simpson and Roy Adams from The Climax Blues Band, Patsy Gamble from the Little Big Horns and John Broomhall. But it's Thompson powerhouse singing and guitar riffs that blaze through the album. This is music that comes straight from those halcyon days when the British Blues explosion was giving way to the scruffier, freer, meaner and dirtier rock that was its love child. From there it has also taken the tradition of leaving no stone unturned. The first three tracks weigh in at a meaty 16 minutes plus, combined. Yet they fly by. The acoustic Preachin The Blues and Heartbreaker get the juices flowing. It's not subtle, sometimes it's not pretty but it's certainly alive. Keith Thompson and Strangebrew have done more than just released an album of rock 'n' roll that defies superlatives. They have given true fans back the knot in their stomach. Michael Mee

- Blues Matters

Independence is a faultless, flawless, blinding gem of a blues/rock album. From the opening explosion of Crash 'n' Burn to the sultry delta closing of Honest to God, not a second is wasted. The man behind it all is Keith Thompson an experienced and in demand musician he has gathered around him like minded disciples in the guise of Neil Simpson and Roy Adams from The Climax Blues Band, Patsy Gamble from the Little Big Horns and John Broomhall. But it's Thompson powerhouse singing and guitar riffs that blaze through the album. This is music that comes straight from those halcyon days when the British Blues explosion was giving way to the scruffier, freer, meaner and dirtier rock that was its love child. From there it has also taken the tradition of leaving no stone unturned. The first three tracks weigh in at a meaty 16 minutes plus, combined. Yet they fly by. The acoustic Preachin The Blues and Heartbreaker get the juices flowing. It's not subtle, sometimes it's not pretty but it's certainly alive. Keith Thompson and Strangebrew have done more than just released an album of rock 'n' roll that defies superlatives. They have given true fans back the knot in their stomach. Michael Mee

- Blues Matters