Teddy Thompson: "Separate Ways"

Separate Ways' 12 original compositions merge an irresistibly engaging melodic sensibility with a brooding, melancholy lyrical insight that belies the London-born, New York-based Thompson's youth. On such compelling numbers as "Shine So Bright," "I Should Get Up," "Sorry to See Me Go," "No Way to Be" and the title track, Thompson conveys a vivid range of emotions, merging emotional gravity and barbed humor. The artist's soul-searching lyrics are brilliantly served by effortlessly organic arrangements, which balance acoustic intimacy and electric energy with uncommon ease.

"At a certain point in your life," Thompson notes, "you realize that your habits aren't really habits, they're who you are. There's a horrible realization that you're an adult now, and that all the quirks that you thought would change as you grow older aren't going to. A lot of these songs come from that feeling of growing up and wanting to leave certain things behind, while others are about making sense of your relationships with other people. Often, those two things can be quite similar."

Separate Wayswhich Thompson co-produced with multi- instrumentalist Brad Albettafeatures an impressive supporting cast that includes fellow second-generation singer/songwriters Rufus and Martha Wainwright and Jenni Muldaur, ace session drummer Matt Chamberlain (of Fiona Apple/ Tori Amos/David Bowie fame), noted Fairport Convention drummer Dave Mattacks, bluegrass/ jazz banjoist Tony Trischka and Garth Hudson, the legendary keyboard maestro of The Band.

The album also features notable contributions from Teddy's parents, British folk-rock icons Richard and Linda Thompson. Richard contributes his trademark fiery guitar work on five tracks, while Linda joins Teddy on the album's unlisted bonus track, a poignant duet rendition of the Everly Brothers classic "Take A Message to Mary."