You probably think of John Oates as half of Hall & Oates, the duo that was known in the 1980s for such classic rock-blues anthems as “Private Eyes” and “I Can’t Go For That.” Although Oates and Daryl Hall still tour together, those who attend a solo concert by Oates will likely walk away feeling as if they’re discovered a brand-new musician. At a show not long ago at Nashville, Tenn.’s historic Station Inn, Oates’ blend of Americana and blues had the audience clambering for more, even though the show started well after midnight.
“I played guitar for 14 years before I even met Daryl,” Oates said. “It really formed me as a musician and informed everything I do.”
| Onstage |
| John Oates |
| When: 7 p.m. Friday |
| Where: State Theatre, 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church |
| Details: $35; 703-237-0300; thestatetheatre.com |
That includes gathering such top-rated performers as Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas and Bekka Bramlett and creating “Mississippi Mile,” a 12-track album co-produced by Mike Henderson.
Oates points to intertwining music and inspiration from Curtis Mayfield to Allen Fraser to, understandably, his own catalog of music with Hall, as a way to present the most authentic roots sound possible.
The album contains 10 covers and two originals, which Oates said developed at the end of the recording project. In fact, he didn’t set out to have any originals on this album, but they developed as he began to think about the common thread that connects music form the Mississippi Delta area.
“It’s been kind of hidden in the two-headed monster that is Hall & Oates,” Oates said of his solo sound. “This gave me a chance to revisit it myself, and I appreciate that unique opportunity to play it live.”
Not that Oates laments his past work. Far from it. He speaks with pride of the major hits that the duo saw rocket up the charts and onto the heavy-rotation playlists of MTV.
“That was really at the birth of MTV,” he said. “The songs had such a lasting impact, in large part because of the videos, that it is hard to step away. And I don’t really try. I’m proud of everything Darryl and I have done and continue to do.”
Still, he makes it clear that Hall & Oates is only part of what he does. Although at one time the duo consumed his life, that’s not the case anymore.
“I’m really proud to be in Americana,” Oates said. “Americana is just about ready to explode, and I’m excited to be a part of it. Think about the Avett Brothers playing with Bob Dylan and Mumford & Sons on a prime slot on the Grammys (televised in February). What does that say about Americana?”
