Album: Hugh Laurie, Let Them Talk (Warner Bros)

Andy Gill
Thursday 05 May 2011 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Usually, actors' albums should be avoided as carefully as pop stars' movies; but Hugh Laurie's New Orleans tribute Let Them Talk may be the exception that proves the rule.

For one thing, he knows his Crescent City music modes inside-out, from R&B classics like "St James Infirmary" and "John Henry" to the distinctive rumba-rock piano of Professor Longhair's "Tipitina". For another, he plays with effortless charm; and clinching the deal, the producer Joe Henry has surrounded Laurie with the right musicians, using the session crew from all those T-Bone Burnett productions, and NOLA legend Allen Toussaint scoring the horns. With the slight caveat that Laurie's vocals never quite cast off their Englishness (and why should they?), this is a commendable effort which at its best furnishes considerable enjoyment.

DOWNLOAD THIS You Don't Know My Mind; They're Red Hot; Tipitina; Let Them Talk

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in