John Oates of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame duo Hall & Oates will perform at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall with The Good Road Band on Nov. 24.
Not only is John Oates one-half of the best-selling duo of all time, Hall & Oates, but he is also an accomplished solo artist and a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
According to the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, Oates met Daryl Hall while attending Temple University in Philadelphia. The two began collaborating and playing music together, marking the beginning of their historic partnership. Since their formation in the early 70s, Hall & Oates ahve gone on to record 21 albums, which have sold over 80 million units, making them the most successful duo in rock history.
Since embarking on a solo career in 1999, Oates has recorded five solo albums, “Phunk Shui,” “100 Miles of Life,” “Mississippi Mile,” a live album called “The Bluesville Sessions,” and “Good Road To Follow,” (which featured collaborations with Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, Vince Gill, Nathan Chapman, Jim Lauderdale and Jerry Douglas).
Now he has teamed up with a number of accomplished Americana musicians, known as The Good Road Band, to deliver his sixth solo album, “Arkansas,” which was released in February 2018 on Thirty Tigers/PS Records. Originally inspired by the music and legacy of the legendary Mississippi John Hurt, the project expanded to encompass other artists and styles that represent the dawn of American popular music from the early 1920s and 30s. Assembling a band of all-star Nashville musicians, Oates shines a light on music from America’s past long before the birth of rock ‘n’ roll.
Fresh interpretations include the Emmett Miller classic “Anytime” from 1924 as well as the Jimmie Rodgers tune, “Miss the Mississippi and You,” from 1932. Reimagined traditional Delta, country blues and ragtime selections salute legendary artists such as Mississippi John Hurt and Blind Blake. Arkansas made Rolling Stone’s 30 Most Anticipated Country Albums and Tours list for 2018.
The title track “Arkansas” and “Dig Back Deep”, both Oates’ original compositions, blend seamlessly with the traditional roots material. Taken together, this record becomes a retrospective of American popular song from the early 1920s to 30s. When asked to describe the sound, Oates said, “It’s like Dixieland, dipped in bluegrass, and salted with Delta blues.”
Tickets ranging from $48 to $58 are available for purchase at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall and The Amp St. Augustine Box Offices, ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000.
