Teddy Thompson’s new album Up Front & Down Low is a self-produced collection of classic country covers released by Verve Records. Thompson is a folk singer by trade and birthright. He is the son of legends Richard and Linda Thompson. Teddy says his parents raised him on country music. He says, “it’s the music that is closest to my heart.” Even in these genre bending days, country cover albums can often go awry even turning into parody. But Thompson’s love of country music is apparent. He respects the songs as he interprets them. He uses string arrangements on most of the songs that add a richness to the traditional tunes. He doesn’t simply re-record the songs and he also doesn’t throw tradition away in his revisions. These are all versions the original creators would approve.
He does songs like George Jones’ “She thinks I Still Care,” Ernest Tubb’s “Walking the Floor Over You,” Merle Haggard’s “(My Friends are Gonna be) Strangers” and a Lesser known Dolly Parton song “My Blue Tears.” He also has one original tune “Down Low.” Guests on the album include Greg Leisz on Pedal Steel and Dobro. Guest vocals include Iris Dement, Tift Merrit and Jenni Muldaur. Thompson is a crooner who can sing with Nashville’s best and the musicianship and arrangement of the album are superb. If you love the classic Country Country this is one to own. If you don’t then by this album and you will learn to love it.
Listen to Teddy Thompson on Verve:
http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/ecard.aspx?pid=11738&ecid=121
Check out his interview on CMT:
http://www.cmt.com/news/articles/1568447/20070828/thompson_teddy.jhtml
This review is also posted on: http://amverwavesoftwang.blogspot.com
About the author: Chip and his family live in Birmingham, AL. Roll Tide!