A new album from the late Dr. John is about to be released. It's a project the New Orleans singer-songwriter was working on at the time of his death in June 2019. Titled Things Happen That Way, it will be out via Rounder Records on September 23.
Rolling Stone reports that Karla R. Pratt, the daughter of the musician, worked as an executive producer on the project, with co-production from guitarist Shane Thierot. The album was recorded back in 2018 in New Orleans.
Things Happen That Way includes covers of classic country songs, new material, and a re-worked version of the song “I Walk on Guilded Splinters” with Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real. Special guests on the album are Willie Nelson and Aaron Neville.
Pratt called the covers of the country soungs “a musical tip of the hat to the greats who preceded him [Dr. John],” according to Rolling Stone. “Years ago he talked about how hip Hank Williams was. He loved how simple yet emotionally complex Hank’s songs are, that they have a hook with a twist. For this album inspired by listening to the Louisiana Hayride [radio show] and icons of country and western, he was excited to do songs in a way that evokes emotion that sticks with you long after one of the songs — done his soulful way — is played.”
Dr. John’s final album before his fatal heart attack was the 2014 Louis Armstrong tribute Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch. You can pre-order his posthumous album here.
Listen to the re-worked version of "I Walk On Guilded Splinters" below.
Check out our selection of free stations streaming Dr. John music at Live365.com.
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Article Image: Dr. John stands in an outdoor area while attending the 15th Annual American Society of Young Musicians Benefit Concert. (s_bukley via DepositPhotos.)
