John Oates and The Good Road Band
John Oates has teamed up with an amazing group of rising and accomplished stars in the Americana music world to bring his new album, Arkansas, to life. The project, his first for Thirty Tigers, is scheduled for release Feb 2, 2018.
“This is the record I have always wanted to make, with the band to bring it to life. After all these years, I feel I’ve finally been able to capture the sound that’s in my head,” said Oates.
The album 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 featuring a wide range of Oates’ musical influences. Oates describes it as “Dixieland, dipped in bluegrass, and salted with Delta blues.”
The title track is propelled by a driving production that frames evocative images of the mist rising off the mighty Mississippi River and the expansiveness of the cotton fields in American’s heartland. With the essence of roots music at its core, vintage and modern recording techniques are woven throughout the album. A subtle yet unmistakable pop sensibility makes the record a landmark in Oates’ esteemed career.
The album was recorded at Addiction Studios in Nashville and produced by Oates and David Kalmusky, who also engineered and mixed it. The “Good Road Band” featured on the project includes 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.
Oates shines a light on music from America’s past long before the birth of rock ‘n’ roll on the new project, with fresh interpretations including the Emmett Miller classic “Anytime” from 1924, as well as the Jimmie Rodgers tune, “Miss the Mississippi and You,” from 1932. Re-imagined traditional Delta, country blues and ragtime selections salute legendary artists like Mississippi John Hurt and Blind Blake. Two new original tracks by Oates blend seamlessly with the traditional roots material, as well as John’s deep catalog of Hall and Oates hits.
The sonic glue that holds the project together is called The Good Road Band. The impressive lineup consists of an all star ensemble of amazing Nashville musicians, including recording and touring artists like Don Henley, Pretenders, Blake Shelton, Dan Auerbach, Kacey Musgraves, Sam Bush, The Wallflowers, Dolly Parton, Bela Fleck, Florence + the Machine, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Florida Georgia Line, Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Vince Gill, Jennifer Nettles, and Sarah Jarosz. Their versatility has given this talented group a reputation that has attracted even more guest stars wanting to sit in.
Combine that ensemble with Oates’ warm and personal storytelling and you have a one-of-a-kind experience that is authentic and unforgettable.
With this incredible band, Oates shines a light on popular songs 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 classic 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. Four new original songs by Oates (with co-writers such as Jim Lauderdale, Jeff Black and Sam Bush) blend seamlessly with the traditional roots material as well as with Oates’ deep catalog of Hall and Oates hits, creating a show that becomes a retrospective of American popular song.
This is an album and live show that transports the listener to another time. It’s a reminder that what the world needs now is just good music.
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