Love Teddy since seeing him play with Rufus! I'd sort of ignored him up to that point but since then I've been a little obsessed with Separate Ways. Unhealthily so. Still waiting for my local shop to get me his debut though.
{q a=[[SilentCloud]]}Why open a Teddy Thompson thread in the family section? As far as I know he's not related to Rufus...
I hope they'll open an Other Artists section soon!{/q}
*sigh* Yes, it would be nice if we had a few off-topic threads, wouldn't it?
Besides, this was where the Teddy thread was on the RWMB, which is probably why RW_Fan started it here. And I actually think Teddy belongs with the family section.
On the version of Release the Stars with the DVD, Rufus says Teddy is the nearest thing he has to a brother. I think that qualifies him to be on the 'Family and History' part of the Forum.
I've been snuggled up in bed today watching a huge compilation of Rufus recordings....Teddy is on a lot of the earlier ones. His voice has a damn lovely richness.
(P.S. when watching the said compilation I saw Yaas, Nimble, Squeaky & DoneNow in the front row...heeee YEY!!!)
I've been snuggled up in bed today watching a huge compilation of Rufus recordings....Teddy is on a lot of the earlier ones. His voice has a damn lovely richness.
(P.S. when watching the said compilation I saw Yaas, Nimble, Squeaky & DoneNow in the front row...heeee YEY!!!){/q}
What compilation is that, rach?
I *adore* Teddy.. I (inadvertently) ended up kind of stalking him last year whenever he was in the UK touring. One of my highlights of last year was definitely getting Teddy to perform "Days In The Park" at my request :) *sigh*
I thought that was a lovely thing for Rufus to say about Teddy in the commentary and yes, he most definitely does belong in the family section imo. I love that Rufus wrote Nobody's Off the Hook for Teddy. It's such a beautiful song.
Rach: I have that DVD too - will have to check it out again :D
The new album is supposed to be out July 17 in the US, I think. His MySpace page also has a new song from the album up called "Walking the Floor."
LittleOrchid, when I saw Teddy play in April he mentioned the arrangement, but unfortunately, I don't remember the song as they were all new to me. He was actually quite sweet about it, because he was on stage by himself with just his guitar, and before the song he said that on the album it featured a really nice string arrangement by Rufus, but then he added, "I don't know why I'm telling you this. It's not like you can hear it," and everyone had a good laugh.
Thanks so much for sharing what you know. I guess when the new album comes out we'll look to the liner notes to get the song, then turn the volume up to hear the strings!
I wonder if the release date is US only, or elsewhere also.
The only release date on his MySpace is for the US, no Australia or UK dates yet. I just wish his official site were up again!
Also, does anyone know if he's going to be playing any solo dates this summer? It seems like he should, as his new album is coming out, but his last scheduled date is June 8, at the Gramercy with Rufus. But he must be planning some more, right? I need my Teddy fix!
{q a=[[YSL609]]} I *adore* Teddy.. I (inadvertently) ended up kind of stalking him last year whenever he was in the UK touring. One of my highlights of last year was definitely getting Teddy to perform "Days In The Park" at my request :) *sigh*{/q}
Oh, do tell details of your stalking. "Days in the Park" is one of my favorites.
I do believe Teddy said the new album would be out July 17th. Yippee!!!! The new stuff he sang on Thursday night was fab-u-lous (duh - what else could it possibly BE?!).
1. Change Of Heart 2. Touching Home 3. Walking The Floor Over You 4. (From Now On All My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers 5. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone 6. My Heart Echoes 7. The Worst Is Yet To Come 8. My Blue Tears 9. Down Low 10. You Finally Said Something Good (When You Said Goodbye) 11. She Thinks I Still Care 12. Let's Think About Living 13. Don't Ask Me To Be Friends
Quote: Teddy Thompson’s self-produced Up Front & Down Low offers distinctive readings of beloved country classics: George Jones’ “She Thinks I Still Care,” Ernest Tubb’s “Walking the Floor Over You” and Merle Haggard’s “(My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers.” Equally impressive, however, are such lesser-known songs such as Boudleaux Bryant’s regretful “Change of Heart,” the yearning “Touching Home,” Dolly Parton’s bittersweet “My Blue Tears,” the tongue-in-cheek Bob Luman hit “Let’s Think About Living” and the Elvis Presley chestnut “I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone.” The album also features a lone Thompson original, “Down Low,” whose heart-on-sleeve lyrics take on added resonance in this context.
“As strange as it may seem, country music was the music I was brought up on,” says Teddy, whose parents are British folk-rock legends Richard and Linda Thompson. “It’s the music that’s closest to my heart and the music that speaks to me the most, and it’s always been a big influence on my own songwriting. I was obsessed with country music when I was a kid, and it’s definitely had a huge influence on the way I write songs. I was always attracted to songs that had a brilliant pun or a clever turn of phrase, but came from a dark, bitter place. As a writer, I’ve always gravitated towards that feeling.”
Throughout Up Front & Down Low, the songs are supported by artful, evocative arrangements that often diverge from the material’s original country milieu. Six tracks feature distinctive string arrangements by legendary English arranger Robert Kirby, renowned for his groundbreaking work with Nick Drake, while “My Blue Tears” features strings arranged by frequent Thompson cohort Rufus Wainwright.
Up Front & Down Low’s compelling blend of melancholy and uplift is consistent with Thompson’s prior work. “It was liberating,” he adds, “to be making a record of songs I didn’t write. I was able to be a bit more detached, and I didn’t stress over every little detail as much as I do with my own material. It was easier to concentrate on whether it was a good performance, and not worry so much about whether the snare sound was perfect.
Indeed, Up Front & Down Low marks a temporary departure from the London-born, New York-based singer/guitarist’s prior recorded work. Whereas his first two albums Teddy Thompson and Separate Ways showcased his formidable songwriting skills, Up Front & Down Low focuses on Thompson’s abilities as an interpreter of outside material. The collection finds him delivering personalized reworkings of a memorable assortment of songs drawn from America’s rich country music tradition, all delivered with a level of commitment and musical imagination that consistently cuts to the emotional heart of the material.
--- i've gone ahead and added this as a studio collaboration to the Archive:
Out of curiosity I went to a Richard Thompson concert the other night in Brooklyn (I love Teddy but had never heard his Dad) I was blown away-Richard Thompson and his band were AMAZING! I will dare say he is a better guitar player than Eric Clapton. I was lucky enough to go with a friend who got us into the V.I.P. tent and I wasn't there two minutes when I spotted Teddy! I never worked up the nerve to go talk to him but I was thrilled when he came on stage and sang a song with his Dad.
Richard THmpson spoke about a new CD called "Rogue's Gallery" I think...he said it was a companion piece to "The Pirate's of the Carribean" soundtrack and the Teddy and Rufus were also had a track on it-anyone have info on this?
Jackieo, Rogues Gallery is a collection of sea shantys and whatnot covered by some well-known musicians. Teddy contributed "Sally Brown" and I believe Richard Thompson sang "Mingulay Boat Song" but it has loads of well-known musicians on it, including Rufus and Loudon. You can find a listing on Amazon.com; try as I might I just can't seem to post a link to the site!
{q a=[[taistealai]]}Jackieo, Rogues Gallery is a collection of sea shantys and whatnot covered by some well-known musicians. Teddy contributed "Sally Brown" and I believe Richard Thompson sang "Mingulay Boat Song" but it has loads of well-known musicians on it, including Rufus and Loudon. You can find a listing on Amazon.com; try as I might I just can't seem to post a link to the site! {/q}
{q a=[[RW_Fan]]}and jackie, you may find this helpful (at least from a Rufus-oriented perspective):
http://rufus.jt.org/album.php?i=RoguesGallery{/q}
Thansk RW-Rufus fans are the best! That link was really interesting as Hal Wilner is putting together a concert featuring various artist here in Brooklyn in July.
There's a more detailed post on the old board, but Teddy will be doing "Upstairs in the Square" at the Union Square Barnes and Noble on Thursday 12 July @ 7pm. He's sharing the evening with Jerry Stahl, whom I've never heard of before - yay for new things! ;D
I'm definitely going and would love to meet up with anyone else who plans on attending - always good to have someone to chat with while waiting online.
{q a=[[DoneNow]]}There's a more detailed post on the old board, but Teddy will be doing "Upstairs in the Square" at the Union Square Barnes and Noble on Thursday 12 July @ 7pm. He's sharing the evening with Jerry Stahl, whom I've never heard of before - yay for new things! ;D
I'm definitely going and would love to meet up with anyone else who plans on attending - always good to have someone to chat with while waiting online.
Do you know if it is the same crazy wristband situation as when Rufus was there? {/q}
I went and asked today and the two lovelies I spoke with said they were NOT anticipating a crazy-ass turnout (she even asked me if I was referring to Rufus' appearance when I mentioned the wristbands!) and if you show up earlish (6/6:30) you should be fine. Might be a weebit crowded, but I don't think they're going to be turning people away.
Fab night! Not only was Teddy lovely in black slacks, brown jacket, creme shirt, orange tie, complete with tan flip-flops and rose in his lapel, but the author Jerry Stahl who appeared as well was hilarious! Totally dry, straight-faced and sarcastic as hell.
Teddy's adorable. It was soooo refreshing and wonderful to see him actually get interviewed and... well.... talk! Damn, he's adorable. *sigh* Marry me, Teddy.....?
Also, saw that he's appearing at Celebrated Brooklyn in Prospect Park on Saturday 21 July at 7pm. He's performing with a fab group of other singersongwriters. Not sure about tickets and prices, but if you're poor like me, you might consider just camping out in the park that eve. There's a great view from a hill behind the seating area, but the sound is great from anywhere nearby.
Thanks DoneNow for the report on the Barnes and Noble appearance-sorry I missed it. The Prospect Park date is a $3.00 suggested admission and while it gets crowded camping out is not usually necessary. Definitely worth checking out! The concert on the 21st is a musical tribute out together by Hal Wilner-same guy who organized the Lenord Cohen tribute (which debuted in Prospect Park). Hope to see you there too!
Success! Last night was lovely. Teddy appeared with string section, guitar player and drums, and played the whole album plus "Missing Children" from his first CD. Fabulous. He was charming, witty and adorable as always and it was worth way more than what I paid.
Said a very quick hello afterwards and got my CD signed.
Don't forget to watch him on Letterman tonight, people!
Just a reminder that Teddy will be performing in Prospect Park tomorrow - Saturday the 21st - as part of a gaggle of singer-songwriters for Celebrate Brooklyn. Tickets are only $3 and even if it's sold out, you can always hang in the park and have a fabulous listen.
{q a=[[DoneNow]]}Just a reminder that Teddy will be performing in Prospect Park tomorrow - Saturday the 21st - as part of a gaggle of singer-songwriters for Celebrate Brooklyn. Tickets are only $3 and even if it's sold out, you can always hang in the park and have a fabulous listen.
Hope to see some of you there!!!!
DoneNow-any info on what happened-I coudn't make it but my friend said Teddy was not there-hope everything is alright. {/q}
Nope, no Teddy, though a fab show regardless. And the lovely Jenni Muldaur and Shannon McNally made appearances.
There were a lot of changes to the program that night, so I'm assuming Teddy just pulled out due to scheduling conflicts, etc. I don't imagine he was sick or it was any sort of emergency.
Though I missed him so, can't say I didn't enjoy a gorgeous summer night in the park hearing great music. :)
Both Rufus and Teddy and Kamilla helped out on her latest album "Versatile Heart". Haven't had a chance to pick it up yet, but she was on WNYC the other day and the songs I DID hear were just fab. Anyone out there have it yet and able to give a more thorough review?
so i've just bought Separate Ways from itunes today after months of telling and reminding myself to actually listen to teddy lol. i've always found him very cute :P he has such a lovely deep voice and i love to see him in videos and performances with rufus! (especially love the rendition of One Man Guy from summerstage!! and the song from brokeback mountain soundtrack) soooooooooooo....... after listening to the whole album through, all the songs are so awesome! a bit more folk/country-ish than rufus, but still has a poppy type vibe sometimes. and the lyrics! so fantastic as well. BUT. there's just one problem..................... i'm now unhealthily obsessed as well. with Shine So Bright. omg i can't explain how much i love this song!!! haha i've had it on a loop all day and teddy's voice makes me swoon lol and i love hearing martha and rufus harmonizing in the background. i'm angry at myself for putting off listening to teddy for so long!! grr so now i'm gonna get the new album! very eager to hear the ruf arrangements... but i'm annoyed, itunes doesn't have his debut album!!! what the hell man. tho they talk about it in the review of separate ways! they say teddy's first album was not a fluke! HA! yess!! but still. now i'm gonna have to go find it in a store. which will probably be impossible since i am in switzerland and have thus far not even been able to locate rufus in the cd shop (i was curious to see if they had anything) but yea i'm still listening to this damn song. haha sheer bliss.
Luckily for me, I discovered Teddy the same time I discovered Rufus, on the "Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man" movie. Having heard him sing Cohen's Tonight Will be Fine, there was never a doubt in my mind that I wanted all his cds. I happen to like the debut one even better than Seperate Ways. It has a song called Missing Children which was co-writen by Rufus. That song alone is worth the price of the cd. I hope you can find it! Joan
yea i've heard that song is really great! i'm gonna buy the whole cd anyways, i just hope i can find it. i fear i may need to go to a very big shop or go online. or maybe wait til i go to the UK. i've just downloaded Upfront & Down Low, so i'm off to listen to it! (is it true it's not out in europe yet? i can't believe i'm saying it but thank god for itunes haha :s) oh and for those in the states, teddy will be on conan tomoro night! (8/8) man i wish i could see it! i always leave america when something interesting happens lol.
Crazystairs, have you ever seen Teddy live? I had Teddy's second album for a while and liked it, but didn't really give it the time it deserved until I saw Teddy play live and it was just...WOW. I can't even describe how his voice is in person, but it's about 100 times better than on his recordings. After that I pulled out Separate Ways and played in non-stop for about three months.
So I COMPLETELY understand being unhealthily obsessed with him and a particular song (but for me it was "Think Again" and "Everybody Move It" and "I Wish It Was Over" and...okay, so everything on the album). :P
And I think his debut is as good as Separate Ways. Or maybe better!
yea i have seen that one! lol it's in my favorites! it's such a great rendition! *sigh* hehe and i do find it funny that martha seems to kind of steal the show from the boys :P i would really love to see him live! dunno when i can tho :( i'd really like to see martha as well! haha i have so many unrealistic demands hehe