Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member John Oates has teamed with an amazing group of accomplished and rising stars in the Americana music world to bring his new album, Arkansas, to life. Scheduled for release on February 2, the project is his first for Thirty Tigers. Arkansas is available for advance order through e-retailers and a Pledge Music campaign including autographed vinyl, limited edition exclusives, hats, shirts, and more.
The project originally began as a tribute to Oates’ idol, Mississippi John Hurt. During a series of Nashville recording sessions, it evolved organically to become a unique collection drawing from a wide range of Oates’ musical influences. Asked about the style and sound of Arkansas, John says, “It’s like Dixieland, dipped in bluegrass, and salted with Delta blues.”
The album was recorded at Addiction Studios in Nashville and produced by Oates and David Kalmusky who also engineered and mixed it. The sonic glue that cements the project is “The Good Road Band”. The impressive lineup consists of Sam Bush on mandolin, Russ Pahl on pedal steel, Guthrie Trapp on electric guitar, Steve Mackey on bass, Nathaniel Smith on cello, and Josh Day on drums and percussion.
With this incredible band, Oates shines a light on music from America’s past long before the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. Fresh interpretations include the Emmett Miller classic “Anytime” from 1924 as well as the Jimmie Rodgers tune, “Miss the Mississippi and You,” from 1932. Reimagined traditional Delta, country blues and ragtime selections salute legendary artists like Mississippi John Hurt and Blind Blake.
Two new original songs by Oates blend seamlessly with the traditional roots material, as well as John’s deep catalog of Daryl Hall and John Oates hits. Taken together, Oates’ music becomes a retrospective of American popular song.
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