John Oates Goes Back to His Roots On New Solo Album

John Oates, the frequently moustached half of soulful pop superstars Hall & Oates, returns to the Americana sound of his early career on his upcoming solo album 'Mississippi Mile.'

It will be his third solo album and first since 2008's '1000 Miles of Life.' Oates told Country Standard Time he's particularly proud to have captured the record almost exclusively through live performances in the studio, with only two overdubs.

The record is primarily composed of cover versions of songs that influenced Oates' own music and life. "I wanted to go back to the songs that really shaped me when I was growing up," he explains. "I wouldn't be the musician that I am today without these songs."

There are also a pair of originals, one of which, 'Deep River,' was inspired by the recent Nashville floods. The music on the song also pays tribute to Doc Watson's 'Deep River Blues.' In a nod to himself and his taller half, Daryl Hall, Oates also covers the duo's 1980 Top Five hit 'You Make My Dreams.'

'Mississippi Mile' comes out on April 12. Oates will be on the road for several dates this year, sometimes performing solo, sometimes with his own band, and sometimes sharing the bill with alternative country rockers the Avett Brothers.  You can also catch him on tour with Hall this June.