*** Richard Thompson and Danny Thompson

INDUSTRY

(Rykodisc)

On Industry, former Fairport Convention icon Richard Thompson joins touring colleague and former Pentangle bassist Danny Thompson (no relation) to explore the rise and fall of Britain's industrial revolution. The Thompsons transcend this rather portentous subject matter to convey the passion and pathos of the blue-collar worker. "Sweetheart on the Barricade," a charming piece of blues-tinged folk accented by Randy Newman-style Ragtime trombones, showcases Richard's rapier wit. On Danny's "Children of the Dark," brooding double bass underpins Richard's subtle electric-guitar flavorings. And on a more uplifting note, the playful "Big Chimney" finds Richard wailing amid the locomotive percussion of Dave Mattacks and a intractable sax section.

-- David Gérard