The echoes of classic country legends like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and George Jones resound powerfully within Teddy Thompson's musical DNA. With a voice as rich and emotive as the genre's storied past, Thompson steps onto a hallowed stage with My Love Of Country, a stirring exploration of time-honored melodies that have tugged at his heartstrings since childhood. For Thompson, country music is more than a genre; it's an inexorable force that has woven itself into the very fabric of his being. "Country music has been inescapable for me, a recurring theme," he affirms. Harkening back to his formative years, he recalls how the genre's simple yet profound tunes captivated his ears at the tender age of 10 or 11. "At that moment," he muses, "I realized, 'This is music? I like this.'"

The seeds of My Love Of Country were sown back in 2007 with Up Front And Down Low, a collection of Nashville's golden era favorites that provided a tantalizing glimpse into Thompson's roots. Now Thompson once again revisits his country core with newfound zeal, the notion of creating music purely for the joy of it taking center stage. While Up Front And Down Low was a spontaneous sojourn, My Love Of Country delves into the very essence of the genre. Thompson's vision was clear – he aimed to capture the spirit of country records that shaped eras past, meticulously charting the musical course with arrangements and string parts that evoked the golden '60s. The result is a resplendent tapestry of sound that echoes with the authenticity and allure of a bygone era.

From the opening strains of "A Picture Of Me (Without You)" to the poignant embrace of "Cryin' Time," Thompson's dulcet voice becomes a vessel for timeless tales of heartache and longing. His rendition of each track showcases a profound connection to the genre's luminaries, paying homage to the likes of Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, and more. Yet, Thompson is not content to merely emulate; he masterfully weaves his unique touch, infusing every note with his own soulful essence. Thompson's journey was further guided by the skilled hand of multi-instrumentalist producer David Mansfield. With a resume that boasts collaborations with legends like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Lucinda Williams, Mansfield's touch adds an enriching layer of musical finesse to the project. And in a final touch of sonic splendor, a constellation of harmonious voices – including Vince Gill, Rodney Crowell, and Aoife O'Donovan – add a celestial layer to the songs.

My Love Of Country marks a juncture where musical lineage meets individual expression. An artist hailing from folk-rock royalty (his parents are British legends Richard and Linda Thompson), Thompson's trajectory has been a tapestry of collaboration and innovation, linking his name with luminaries like Rufus Wainwright, Rosanne Cash, and Emmylou Harris. Among the treasures that My Love Of Country unveils are well-known classics and hidden gems alike. From Hank Cochran and Harland Howard's immortal "I Fall To Pieces" to the western swing-infused charm of Randy Travis' number one hit, “Is It Still Over?," the album dances through a spectrum of emotions. Familiar favorites like "You Don't Know Me," once interpreted by Eddy Arnold and Ray Charles, find renewed life through Thompson's revisit. Diving deeper, Thompson breathes new energy into lesser-known gems like Dolly Parton's "Love And Learn" and "I'll Regret It All In The Morning," a song penned by his own father, Richard.

While he sets his sights on a future of original compositions, Teddy Thompson invites us to cherish the enduring legacy of these classic tunes, a gift to the present that bridges generations and continues the timeless journey of American music. "In my favorite eras of music, it was all about the song," he reflects. "For this record, that was a huge part of it. I just want people to hear these songs."