Album Review: Let Them Talk

If you’ve ever seen the hit TV series House, you know who Hugh Laurie is. But did you know that he is musically talented as well? Yes, he sings and plays the piano in his debut album, Let Them Talk.

The album, a collection of standard and lost blues classics, was performed by Laurie and a team of musical prodigies such as Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, Solomon Burke, Robert Plant, and the Soul Queen of New Orleans, Irma Thomas.

You have probably heard the pieces if you are into jazz and blues; some were done by multiple artists. "St. James Infirmary," the first song on the album, has been performed by Cassandra Wilson, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, and even Louis Armstrong. How does Laurie’s compare? You will have to listen to it, but the arrangements of instrumentals, Laurie’s voice, and the twists and turns amazed and captivated me.

Was it likely that the popularity of the TV series helped the success of his CD? Perhaps. It certainly was how I found out about the CD. Laurie has genuine talent, whether as an actor, or a jazz singer. He conveys something that pulls you out of the normal world and takes you into the wonderful one that he creates. Passion, depth, dryness, wit, even sarcasm come effortless and natural to him. There are some who don’t find his singing voice appealing, but you should be the judge of that. Get the CD and take a listen!

If this got your curiosity up, check our catalog and do a quick search under Hugh Laurie. What, he wrote a book too? Yes, and you can find them all in our library catalog.

Submitted by Jiemin Fan
Arts, Literature, & Sports
Central Library