September 15th, 2008 1000 Miles with John Oates
- By Cynthia Turner

When an artist who, in 2003, was inducted into the American Songwriters Hall of Fame mentions that their forthcoming album features “the best songs I’ve written”, it’s time to pay attention.

Back in March of this year, I had the opportunity to sit down with John Oates, a man who has without a doubt played a significant role in the last 35+ years of Rock ‘N’ Roll.

With partner Daryl Hall, Oates has certainly accumulated a notable number of accolades over the years. The Recording Industry Association of America declared Hall & Oates the most successful duo in the history of recorded music. The pair charted six No. 1 hits on Billboard and is responsible for eleven of the top 100 RCA singles. Together, they have sold more than 80 million albums.

Yet September 23, 2008 will see the street release of what could very well be deemed Oates’ finest work to date.

Oates’ second solo album, "1000 Miles of Life”, presents an earnest, revealing, and contemplative collection with hints of gospel, folk, and blues intricately intertwined with the beautifully written lyrics. The finish is sophisticated, satisfying, highly relatable, and undeniably inspiring.

At the time of my interview with Oates, he was preparing to head south to record the album. He had lined up an all-star cast of players and had already chosen the album’s title.

“When I looked at the body of work and I looked at the songs, they all have this kind of theme that has to do with an emotional journey from point A to point wherever it’s going,” said Oates. “And it really is 1000 miles of life. And the songs are really about me and my family, and things that have happened, and things that are happening like right now as well…It’s definitely something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

Though he had yet to hit the studio, it was clear there was a great deal of passion and enthusiasm behind the project.

“I’m really, really into this record,” exclaimed Oates. “I am more excited about doing this than any project I’ve done in years, because I think the songs are so good…I’m not trying to be immodest, but they’re the best songs I’ve written, I think in my whole life. I’ve written a lot of number one records, and they’re all good songs, but these songs are different. They’re more real. They’re more sophisticated…I just have this thing going on.”

As Oates talked of how all the pieces were already coming together, it seemed clear that the project had an air of ‘meant to be’ about it.

“It had like this kinetic energy of its own. I get kind of freaked out when I think about it! Like I called Béla Fleck, you know, everyone knows Béla Fleck. He’s like the absolute maestro of the banjo. I’ve never met the guy. I’ve heard his playing and he’s just a genius…I called him up and said, “Hey, will you play on my record?” He goes, “Oh yeah, sure!”

See John Oates discussing “1000 Miles of Life” at the Boulder Theatre last March:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsLDvX5E9oY

Several months later, Oates was kind enough to provide me with advance copy of the new release. Normally it takes me a few rounds with a new album before I really get into the lyrical content; however, that was certainly not the case with “1000 Miles of Life”. The moment I began to listen to it, I was struck by the incredibly powerful, heartfelt, and revealing lyrics.

Appropriately, Oates recorded the album in Nashville, a place where lyrics that tell a story are understood and lovingly embraced. Working with engineer Bil VornDick, Oates co-produced the album with Jed Leiber.

When all was said and done, a slew of incredibly talented players came together in support of Oates’ project, with artists such as John Popper, Jerry Douglas, Béla Fleck, Sam Bush, Jonathan Yudkin, Jed Leiber, Steve Cropper, Nathan Paul Chapman, Doug Belote, Dan Dugmore, Bob Britt, Jim Hoke, Bill Huber, Chad Cromwell, Michael Rhodes, Mark Fain, Shannon Forrest, Tom Britt, Eric Darken, and Tom “T-Bone” Wolk, adding to the mix.

M. Fain, J. Douglas, J. Oates, S. Bush & Béla Fleck (Photo by Jamie Rosenberg)



Jim Hoke, John Oates & Bill Huber (Photo by Jamie Rosenberg)



John Oates, Chad Cromwell, Eric Darken & Michael Rhodes (Photo by Terry Mathley)

The album also features some absolutely amazing vocal work. Bekka Bramlett took my breath away with her sassy and soulful vocals, particularly on the track, “Carved in Stone”.



Bekka Bramlett (Photo by Jamie Rosenberg)

Bonnie Bramlett, Michael Jude, John Michel, Damian Smith, Jimmy Wayne, and Kathy Chiavola were also featured vocalists.



Jimmy Wayne, John Oates, Bonnie Bramlett & Bekka Bramlett (Photo by Terry Mathley)

The Blind Boys of Alabama leant their outstanding vocal skills to Jerry Lynn Williams’, “Sending Me Angels”, yet another highlight of the album.



John Oates, Blind Boys Of Alabama & Jed Leiber (Photo by Jamie Rosenberg)

The track, “Ghost Town”, is sure to be an album favorite as well. A commentary on the devastation left behind in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the song also celebrates the resiliency of the New Orleans community.



John Popper (Photo by Jamie Rosenberg)

Overall, I found Oates’ new album to be an intimate experience. As the album unfolded, I was drawn further into the story, with each song serving as another insightful chapter. I found my own personal references along the way, highlighting the strength of Oates’ unique and celebrated style of writing; though much of it is his own story, though they are his own revelations, the lyrics felt like home to me as well.

This album is bound to be embraced not only by the hordes of loyal and steadfast Hall & Oates fans, but also an entirely new pool of listeners. I anticipate a warm reception from critics as well.

It’s no wonder that Oates was so excited on that chilly day back in March. Even though he has already realized colossal success, “1000 Miles of Life” may very well be Oates’ finest moment in music yet. It is a personal declaration, celebration, and a triumph. And something tells me his amazing journey is far from over. Here’s to the next 1000 miles!