Dan Auerbach, one-half of the infamous blues/rock duo The Black Keys, has yet to announce the title or release date of his upcoming solo project (the first since 2009), but that doesn’t mean we’re left in the dark about what to expect.
Through a Rolling Stone feature, it’s been revealed that Auerbach has been working with legendary singer/songwriter John Prine, who will contribute significantly to the upcoming album.
Auerbach first hinted at Prine’s involvement way back in 2014, when he revealed that he had been “casually” writing with the singer for a possible project. Later, at the beginning of 2016, Auerbach made a surprise appearance at a Prine show to perform “That’s the Way That the World Goes’ Round” and “You Got Gold.”
Prine is not the only artist to contribute to the upcoming project; Auerbach recruited a slew of talented Memphis and Nashville musicians to help cultivate and shape the overall sound for the album. Rockabilly guitar legend Duane Eddy was a heavy influence on the album, and even contributes a “frenetic” solo to the track “Waiting On a Song.” Bassist Dave Roe (who backed Johnny Cash for 22 years), drummer/pianist duo Gene Christmas and Bobby Wood, part of Memphis’ American Sound Studios house band, and Dire Strait’s Mark Knopfler all lend their talents to Auerbach’s latest project, which he describes as “a whole history of everything I love about music.”
While Knopfler had to ship his track from England, every other part of the LP was done face-to-face in the studio.
“These guys tell me they’re genuinely thrilled to be here because we’re making records like they used to,” Auerbach said.
C&W-music engineer David “Fergie” Ferguson also helped Auerbach with writing as well as production behind the boards.
While there is no official title or release date, expect to be purchasing the album sometime in the coming spring, and stay tuned for any more updates from Auerbach.
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