Legendary New Orleans Musician Dr. John’s Final Studio Album Things Happen That Way
Set for September 23 Release on Rounder Records
Guests Include Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville,
and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real...The first single from the album – a haunting and hypnotic new rendition of “I Walk on Guilded Splinters” (which originally appeared on Dr. John’s groundbreaking 1968 debut Gris- Gris) – is released today.
http://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lic4OqpAbPS4vDrWAvLkv31NiGI5v9Hm0
Things Happen That Way opens on the delicate surrender of the Willie Nelson-penned “Funny How Time Slips Away,” a track whose soulful harmonies and smoldering horns never overpower the sheer vulnerability of Dr. John’s performance on piano and vocals. A co-conspirator of Rebennack’s for countless years, Nelson shares a warm remembrance that perfectly encapsulates the album’s transportive power: “Dr. John had the most unique musical style and language that would take me to another time and place whenever I heard him play or sing.” Spotlighting his endless ingenuity as a song interpreter, Dr. John also masterfully reimagines Hank Williams’ “Ramblin’ Man” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” Elsewhere on the album, Aaron Neville joins in for a joyfully brass-heavy take on The Traveling Wilburys’ “End of the Line,” while Willie Nelson lends his balm-like vocals and signature guitar work to a soul-stirring rendition of the traditional gospel song “Gimme That Old Time Religion.”
Though much of Things Happen That Way bears an exquisitely reflective mood, the album also offers up several new uptempo originals from Dr. John: “Holy Water” (a savvy and poignant look back at his early-’60s criminal charge for narcotics and subsequent two-year prison sentence, with backing vocals by Katie Pruitt), “Sleeping Dogs Best Left Alone” (a swinging and self-aware piece that knowingly speaks to the danger in playing with proverbial dynamite), and “Give Myself A Good Talkin’ To”(a world-weary but high-spirited reflection on the vicissitudes of human nature).
With each track once again illuminating his outsize imagination and idiosyncratic yet profoundly insightful storytelling, the album then closes out with a captivating cover of “Guess Things Happen That Way.” In a departure from the buoyant determination of Johnny Cash’s version, Dr. John delivers an aching expression of grief and quiet hope, imbuing every line with so much unvarnished emotion. At turns devastating and triumphant, elegant and raw, with his unexpected passing, this album serves as a glorious farewell from one of the most singular, essential, and infinitely fascinating figures in music history.
The album’s liner notes, penned by Rebennack’s longtime friend, renowned television producer Ken Ehrlich (creator of PBS’ groundbreaking music series Soundstage, and producer of the GRAMMY Awards for four decades) offer the sage observation that Things Happen That Way is “the most personal and intimate journey into his soul that has ever been put on tape.”
On May 8, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – now in its 52nd year – will celebrate Dr. John’s vast musical legacy with a tribute concert featuring performances by Irma Thomas, Cyril Neville, Davell Crawford, John Boutté, Ivan Neville, Jon Cleary, and Papa Gros. Last weekend, the festival honored Dr. John with a second line jazz funeral procession gloriously led by the Young Fellaz brass band.
For more information, contact regina dot joskow at rounder.com
Things Happen That Way Track Listing:
Funny How Time Slips Away
Ramblin’ Man
Gimme That Old Time Religion (feat. Willie Nelson)
I Walk On Guilded Splinters (feat. Lukas Nelson & Promise of The Real)
I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry
End Of The Line (feat. Aaron Neville)
Holy Water
Sleeping Dogs Best Left Alone
Give Myself A Good Talkin’ To
Guess Things Happen That Way
― dow, Friday, 6 May 2022 20:39 (one year ago) link