Austin City Limits Season 27 Episode 2 Richard Thompson / Eliza Gilkyson

Richard Thompson and Eliza Gilkyson bring their unique blend of folk and rock to the stage in this episode of Austin City Limits. Thompson, a British singer-songwriter and guitarist, has been a prolific musician for over 50 years, with a focus on combining traditional folk music with modern rock sounds. Gilkyson, a Texas-based singer-songwriter, has also been a force in the folk music scene for several decades, known for her introspective lyrics and captivating stage presence.

Thompson takes the stage first, starting with the hauntingly beautiful "The Ghost of You Walks," a song that showcases his distinctive finger-picking style and emotive vocals. He follows with "I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight," a classic from his days as a member of the British folk-rock group Fairport Convention. The song's catchy melody and upbeat lyrics are a crowd pleaser, and Thompson's guitar playing is particularly impressive.

The set continues with several more of Thompson's songs, including the wistful "She Twists the Knife Again" and the poignant ballad "1952 Vincent Black Lightning." The latter, a fan favorite, tells the story of a motorcycle racer and his love for a woman named Red Molly, and Thompson's delivery is both heart-wrenching and electrifying.

Gilkyson takes over the stage next, playing a selection of her own songs as well as a few carefully chosen covers. She starts with "Borderline," a powerful song that highlights the struggles faced by immigrants and refugees. The song's chorus, "Everybody's talking about the border, but it's just another line in the sand," resonates particularly strongly with the Texas audience.

Gilkyson's set continues with several more of her own songs, including "Runaway Train" and "Hard Times in Babylon," both of which showcase her poetic lyrics and deeply soulful voice. She also performs a cover of Dylan's classic "Love Minus Zero/No Limit," putting her own spin on the song and making it sound fresh and new.

The show concludes with a joint performance by Thompson and Gilkyson, a rendition of the traditional folk song "500 Miles." Their two voices blend perfectly, and as they sing the song's refrain "If you miss the train I'm on, you will know that I am gone," it's impossible not to be swept away by the beauty and power of their music.

Overall, this episode of Austin City Limits is a showcase of two of the most talented and influential singer-songwriters of their generation. Thompson and Gilkyson's music is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, and their performances are a testament to the enduring power of folk and rock music. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to their music, this is an episode you won't want to miss.