John Oates and The Good Road Band Play Ardmore Music Hall 1/19
by Drew Demberg
Rock and Roll Hall-of-famer and famous Philadelphian John Oates is heading back to his Hometown this January in support of his new Album Arkansas. Oates will be headlining at Ardmore Music Hall on 1/19/19 after stops in Illinois, Ohio and Virginia. Oates, who is one half of the best selling duo Hall & Oates and an accomplished solo artist in his own right, has always been known for his stellar guitar work. His new album “Arkansas” breaks away from the synth pop and smooth guitar that Oates has been known for and draws from a wide array of early Americana influences.
Oates is joined on the album by a stellar group of up and coming Americana musicians "The Good Road Band"- consisting 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. The album opens with an upbeat picker “Anytime”. Gentle swoons from a pedal steel accentuate the classic Americana feel of the song. The melody is one you will find yourself humming later in the day.
Oates is joined on the album by a stellar group of up and coming Americana musicians "The Good Road Band"- consisting 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. The album opens with an upbeat picker “Anytime”. Gentle swoons from a pedal steel accentuate the classic Americana feel of the song. The melody is one you will find yourself humming later in the day.
The Album's Title track “Arkansas” comes next. A much more intense and haunting song In the style of a classic country ballad invokes the old days and nights of growing up in rural Arkansas. The slow haunting mandolin work of Sam Bush keeps a steady pulse as Oates reminisces about the snow white Cotton fields and Delta Dawns of Arkansas. “My Creole Belle” follows in classic americana form, reminding you of a street band busking in New Orleans. Coming next is the rocking southern blues romper “The Pallet Soft and low”. A Classic 12 bar style blues which showcases Oates guitar work.
Another ballad is found in “Miss the mississippi and You” Oates smooth vocals shine on this one as he croons about missing his lost lover and his home. The next two tracks “Stack o lee” and “That’ll Never Happen No More” are classic country. Reminding me of Mississippi John Hurt and Lightnin' Hopkins, these songs invoke the good ole days of american music, singing about police and chasing bad guys. A far cry from the new country of today that dominants pop radio.“Dig Back Deep” is a highly danceable electric blues that gets the toes tapping and would find itself at home at any Honky Tonk. “Lord Send Me” is a classic spiritual tune in the style of early gospel, It’s sweet melody sounds good everyday and not just Sunday mornings.
The album ends with an ode to the delta with “Spike Driver Blues” showcasing Oates solo with an acoustic guitar. Channeling the spirit of Robert Johnson, and Son House, Oates ends the album leaving you wanting more than the 10 tracks included on this set.Arkansas was a classic ode to Americana that didn’t try to hard to be something it wasn’t. The album doesn’t feel like a forced concept record, but rather an honest, organic recording by a superstar paying tribute to his roots and those who came before him. Fans of all genres will find something to like in Arkansas.It is no wonder Rolling Stone hailed Arkansas as one of the "Most Anticipated Country Albums of 2018."
Tickets for John Oates and The Good Road Band at Ardmore Music Hall available here: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1684872
Another ballad is found in “Miss the mississippi and You” Oates smooth vocals shine on this one as he croons about missing his lost lover and his home. The next two tracks “Stack o lee” and “That’ll Never Happen No More” are classic country. Reminding me of Mississippi John Hurt and Lightnin' Hopkins, these songs invoke the good ole days of american music, singing about police and chasing bad guys. A far cry from the new country of today that dominants pop radio.“Dig Back Deep” is a highly danceable electric blues that gets the toes tapping and would find itself at home at any Honky Tonk. “Lord Send Me” is a classic spiritual tune in the style of early gospel, It’s sweet melody sounds good everyday and not just Sunday mornings.
The album ends with an ode to the delta with “Spike Driver Blues” showcasing Oates solo with an acoustic guitar. Channeling the spirit of Robert Johnson, and Son House, Oates ends the album leaving you wanting more than the 10 tracks included on this set.Arkansas was a classic ode to Americana that didn’t try to hard to be something it wasn’t. The album doesn’t feel like a forced concept record, but rather an honest, organic recording by a superstar paying tribute to his roots and those who came before him. Fans of all genres will find something to like in Arkansas.It is no wonder Rolling Stone hailed Arkansas as one of the "Most Anticipated Country Albums of 2018."
Tickets for John Oates and The Good Road Band at Ardmore Music Hall available here: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1684872
Watch the official video for album's title track, Arkansas
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