Richard Thompson, the insightful British songwriter and master guitarist, is bringing in his electric trio to New Orleans. Thompson booked his February 3 show at House of Blues as a prelude to his voyage on the Cayamo Cruise. Also featuring John Prine, Brandi Carlile, Patty Griffin and dozens more, the sold-out Cayamo: A Journey Through Song sails from New Orleans on February 4.

In 1967, Thompson co-founded Fairport Convention, the band that set the template for British folk-rock. F...