Oates is one half of the best-selling musical duo Hall & Oates. For this album, Oates teamed with a group of accomplished and rising artists in the Americana music to bring his new studio effort to life.
The project began as a tribute to his long-time idol, Mississippi John Hurt. After a series of recording sessions in Nashville, where Oates resides, it evolved organically to become a distinct collection, where Oates pays homage to his diverse musical inspirations.
Oates noted that the new style of his forthcoming album is a blend of Dixieland, coupled with bluegrass and Delta blues.
Arkansas was recorded at Addiction Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, and it was subsequently produced by Oates, along with engineer and mixer David Kalmusky . The line-up of musicians for this CD was comprised 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.
Oates offers his version of Emmett Miller’s “Anytime” from 1924, and the Jimmie Rodgers classic “Miss the Mississippi and You,” which takes the listener back to 1932.
Arkansas is available for pre-order on iTunes, and on Spotify.
To learn more about Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Oates, check out his official website.