JOHN OATES

ARKANSAS

Thirty Tigers

John Oates - half of the mighty Hall & Oates - says this is the album he’s always wanted to make; dixieland dipped in bluegrass and salted with Delta blues. It certainly is different with lots of acoustic guitars and clean-toned electrics playing a variety of songs ranging from covers to new compositions. Accompanying John is a stellar band including electric virtuoso Guthrie Trapp and mandolin master Sam Bush, so expect some outstanding playing and arrangements. Starting out as a tribute to Mississippi John Hurt, the 10-song mix is vibrant and well produced. The title track (one of two of Oates’s songs featured) shows he has a splendid voice and fine guitar style. His acoustic ‘Carter’ picking sounds great on John Hurt’s My Creole Belle, augmented by Bush’s mandolin and Trapp’s electric. For more rootsy electric stuff, check out the lilting groove on Pallet Soft And Low where there’s a lovely solo. Best track is Miss The Mississippi And You; the smooth vocals and lovely band framing behind Oates’s acoustic guitar is exquisite. In short, it’s one fantastic album!