New Orleans musical icon Dr. John passed away in 2019, and following his death, we got word of a forthcoming posthumous release. The record, titled Things Happen That Way, is out September 23 via Rounder Records, and today, we're getting a taste of what's to come with new single "I Walk on Guilded Splinters," recorded with Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real.
The 10-track album, which features covers and originals, was executive produced by Dr. John's daughter Karla R. Pratt, with instrumental contributions by guitarist Shane Theriot, bassist Will Lee, keyboardists Jon Cleary and David Torkanowsky, and drummer Carlo Nuccio.
In addition to today's release, we're also due to hear covers of Hank Williams's "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and "Ramblin' Man," Jack Clement's "Guess Things Happen That Way" and Willie Nelson's "Funny How Time Slips Away."
"Years ago he talked about how hip Hank Williams was," Pratt told Rolling Stone. "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."
Pratt added of "I Walk on Guilded Splinters": "[It's] is a bit of time-travelling: It's 1968, it's now, it's the future, all swirling through and into their collaboration."
Listen to the new single below.
The 10-track album, which features covers and originals, was executive produced by Dr. John's daughter Karla R. Pratt, with instrumental contributions by guitarist Shane Theriot, bassist Will Lee, keyboardists Jon Cleary and David Torkanowsky, and drummer Carlo Nuccio.
In addition to today's release, we're also due to hear covers of Hank Williams's "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and "Ramblin' Man," Jack Clement's "Guess Things Happen That Way" and Willie Nelson's "Funny How Time Slips Away."
"Years ago he talked about how hip Hank Williams was," Pratt told Rolling Stone. "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."
Pratt added of "I Walk on Guilded Splinters": "[It's] is a bit of time-travelling: It's 1968, it's now, it's the future, all swirling through and into their collaboration."
Listen to the new single below.