“This is by Blind Blake, perhaps the greatest of all the ragtime guitarists. Not a huge amount is known about him and there’s only one surviving photograph – but he was a handsome fellow, that much is for sure. I bought myself a 1935 Martin acoustic guitar for this song and told myself there was a chance Blind Blake might have played it himself once upon a time. He might even have played this beautiful, laconic song on it, although I am prepared to concede that it is unlikely.” - Hugh Laurie
Hugh Laurie: Let Them Talk – A Celebration of New Orleans Blues airs on THIRTEEN’s Great Performances Friday, September 30 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS (check local listings). Download or listen to “Police Dog Blues” below. The download will be available until 10/4/2011.
Download “Police Dog Blues,” the tenth track on Hugh Laurie’s debut album Let Them Talk.
PS Had to add this—-Hugh, all these comments from lovestruck women might be okay for you—–but let’s get real. You are NOT a great singer, and just an adequate piano player—–you sing off-key and you have no sense of phrasing, etc., etc. You’re an actor so don’t take yourself too seriously. Nice that you are keeping alive the New Orleans traditions, and turning on people who aren’t aware ot it. But a great musician you are NOT. And I have to ask again—–WHY do you have a bass player who is TOTALLY FAKING IT? Out of all the musicians on stage with you, this guy CAN”T PLAY!!!!!
I watched the show last evening and really enjoyed it all! Loved the music and the scenery–especially the convertible!!! Tom Jones rocks! I’m a long-time blues lover and this show was great in my book!
Hugh,
Really impressive!! Loved the music!! Saw Alan with Elvis Costello in Boston, what a treat!!! To play with him and get that buzz must have been awesome!!
Hugh,
I knew that you had extraordinary theatre and musical talent, but this was really a momentous achievement. You really fit the role well! Your style, your voice, your abilities, all made for New Orleans type musicality!
I think this was one of the most enjoyable PBS Great Performances that I have seen. (I watched twice) New Orleans is one of my favorite cities. It’s history and its music are so much apart of who I am.
Thank you!
Irma Thomas singing a rendition of John Henry I never heard before,gave me chills. I wonder if it is available on any recording? A great show all way ’round
watching your show reminded me of my youth, hanging out at the jazz clubs in Detroit and Chicago — loved it!
Did not like House at first, I soon realized we share the same cocky sarcasm ! Thank-you Gregory H
I love the blues my grandmother and I use to listen to her old records I guess that’s when I fell in love with jazz and blues I think you did a decent job on this classic
Lord Have Mercy. To play and sing as you do and still have the proper accent, well Hell it don’t get much better than that Sugar.
…………. and don’t forget the Black Adder!
(Do your own research on one of the best cutting edge television productions ever made and aired.)
I love the music! I like blues and this just brought me closer! Thanks Hugh. Oh and I loved your performance in ‘Jeeves and Wooster’, also, in ‘House’. Can’t wait to see what this season has in store.
Hugh, I love to listen to you sing.
I happened to turn to PBS on Friday night and saw you, Hugh Laurie playing piano, and singing the Blues. Hugh you were fantastic! I’ve enjoyed you playing” House” now I get to enjoy you singing the blues, jazz, and playing boogie woogie. Love ya. I will buy your CD. So happy for you that you were featured on Great Performances.
AJ from Calgary, Alberta
Watched the program twice – I love that New Orleans music. (Also that Texas music.) I am a huge fan of the Jeeves and Wooster series, and was amused to see that Stephen Fry produced the show on your journey in the Deep South; I guess you’re still friends. Like “House” too.
I was completely wowed by the movie. I’ve never had the audio system on my TV blasting quite so loud, it was utterly brilliant. I’ve admired your music for years, it was one of the many things to look forward to in Fry and Laurie, it’s been great (although too briefly presented) on House and now I’ve gotten to see you having the time of your life playing on your way into New Orleans. This was just fantastic.
I want the whole show on BluRay, where’s the link…
Only 18 comments? That’s tragic! I saw one woman post that if she wasn’t already married, she would propose. ….But you are already married, aren’t you? Ah! Truly I was born in the wrong place at the wrong time…so much soul you have…..
Just loved the show .. have it recorded and just listened again … What great musicians…. and you are sensational !!! I love the Blues and New Orleans is on my “Bucket List” !!! Had a trip planned and then that darn **** Catrina came along 2 weeks before I was to leave !! But will get there some day … Love your show House .. a wonderful actor and then Music too !!!!!!!!!! Carole
I think it’s awesome.
I am totally in love with HL: his piano playing, his blues, his acting, his accent, his eyes, his sneakers, his fedora
Hugh…if you read this: WIll you marry me?
Nice. Clean picking, clear singing, nothing phony in it. True blues.
Just love the Blues, and Hugh also. How wonderful to be able to the very thing you love so much. I am happy for you (Hugh) and hope you will brake out many tunes. You sound GREAT.
Way to go Hugh. Watched your show on PBS this new years eve 2012. Loved everything about it. Looks like the talent in New Orleans is great as well. I will be buying your new CD. Happy New Year!
I agree completely with Betty Tuininga’s opinion of Hugh Lauria’s truly Great Perfomance.
It was a fantastic New Year’s Eve show. The film was awesome, the musicianship was amazing, and the music reached all the way to where it counts. Even the room was perfect. What a special, joyful event!
Thank you, PBS. Thank you, Hugh. Thank you, the band, Thank you, the backup singers,Thank you, the photographers, Thank you, the sound crew. Thank you, the editors. Thank you, ….
What more can I say. After reading all these comments, you have said it all. Great music great Tv show, great
Musician and actor and, I presume a great guy.
Great music see you in Portland in June