Performer Notes

Personnel: Linda Thompson (vocals); T.J. Carollo (vocals); Frank London (alto, cornet); Steven Bernstein (alto, flugelhorn); Larry Bomback (tenor); Wayne Grimmer (baritone); Jeff Glemboski (bass voice); David Masfield (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Teddy Thompson (acoustic guitar, piano, background vocals); John Doyle (acoustic guitar); James Walbourne (electric guitar); Rob Moose (nylon-string guitar, violin); David Mansfield (mandolin); Antoine Silverman, Gregor Kitzis, Maxim Moston, Paul Woodiel (violin); Larry Campbell (fiddle); David Creswell, Martha Mooke (viola); Anja Wood, Leah Coloff (cello); John Kirkpatrick (anglo concertina); Dan Levine (euphonium, tuba); Eliza Carthy (organetto); Rob Burger (pump organ); Jeff Alan Hill (double bass, electric bass); Byron Isaacs, Brad Albetta (double bass); George Javori (drums, dumbek, tambourine, percussion); John Joe Kelly (bodhran); Bill Dobrow (shaker); Kamila Thompson (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Jay Newland.
Liner Note Author: Linda Thompson.
Recording information: Bamboo Studios, The Borders, Scotland; Betrayal Studios, New York, NY; Brooklyn Recording, Brooklyn, NY; Dubway Studios, New York, NY; Monkey boy Studios, New York, NY; Panda Sound, Robin Hoods Bay, North Yorkshire, England; Second Story, New York, NY; Shelter Island Sound, New York, NY; Sphere Studios, London, England.
Illustrator: Peter Blegvad.
Photographers: Jeff Alan Hill; Kerry Brown .
Only Linda Thompson's third solo album in 25 years since splitting with her former husband and musical partner Richard Thompson, VERSATILE HEART picks up almost exactly where 2002's FASHIONABLY LATE left off. Like its predecessor, VERSATILE HEART showcases the talents of Richard and Linda's son, singer-songwriter Teddy Thompson, who co-wrote and co-produced several songs, including the simple folky instrumental, "Stay Bright," that both opens and closes the album. Other guests include daughter Kamila Thompson (who contributes the slinky "Nice Cars"), Antony of Antony and the Johnsons (Thompson's duet partner on a magical rendition of Rufus Wainwright's "Beauty"), and violinist Eliza Carthy. Highlights include a moving cover of Tom Waits's "The Day After Tomorrow," the sly rockabilly tune "Do Your Best For Rock and Roll," and a lovely take on the traditional ballad "Katy Cruel."

Professional Reviews

Rolling Stone (p.90) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "Here she's finally acrid again....She was always a slow-one specialist, and it's a relief to hear she's not longer quite so calm about it."

Spin (p.138) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[H]er voice has never sounded better than on the sprightly title track and the instantly classic weeper 'Beauty'..."

Entertainment Weekly (p.71) - "Thompson's clarion voice graces songs from a variety of genres..." -- Grade: A-

Q (p.106) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "Linda Thompson' s voice sounds as strong as ever..."

Dirty Linen (p.54) - "Her voice is still haunting, her taste in material remains impeccable, and her ability to convey poignant slices of life is as strong as ever."

No Depression (p.94) - "Her songs are well-crafted, but they're also revealing and unvarnished...."

Album: Versatile Heart *
#	Song Title	Time
1)	Stay Bright
2)	Versatile Heart
3)	Way I Love You, The
4)	Beauty
5)	Katy Cruel
6)	Nice Cars
7)	Do Your Best for Rock 'n Roll
8)	Day After Tomorrow
9)	Blue & Gold
10)	Give Me a Sad Song
11)	Go Home
12)	Whisky, Bob Copper and Me
13)	Stay Bright

Album: Versatile Heart *
#	Song Title	Time
1)	Stay Bright
2)	Versatile Heart
3)	Way I Love You, The
4)	Beauty
5)	Katy Cruel
6)	Nice Cars
7)	Do Your Best for Rock 'n Roll
8)	Day After Tomorrow
9)	Blue & Gold
10)	Give Me a Sad Song
11)	Go Home
12)	Whisky, Bob Copper and Me
13)	Stay Bright