Artist, actor and performer Hugh Laurie, released the splendid new studio album DIDN’T IT RAIN.

Though we’ve yet to confirm the actual summer release date, we are excited to let you hear this glorious collection of songs right now. Naturally, we will inform you of that date as soon as possible, along with a string of domestic tour dates in support of the album. Hugh’s first album,LET THEM TALK, celebrated and revived classic material from the world of New Orleans blues and was critically embraced around the world.

DIDN’T IT RAIN sees Hugh Laurie depart from the sounds of New Orleans and follow the trajectory of the blues upstream and into the American heartland. It includes songs dating back to early pioneers W.C. Handy (“St Louis Blues”) and Jelly Roll Morton (“I Hate A Man Like You”) to more recent artists such as Dr. John (“Wild Honey”) and Alan Price of The Animals(“Changes”).

Statement: Hugh Laurie

“I have resolved to forge on deeper into the forest of American music that has enchanted me since I was a small boy,” Laurie explains. “And the further I go, the more bewitched I become – both by the songs and by the people I have been lucky enough to play them with.”

Produced by LET THEM TALK producer Joe Henry (Allen Toussaint, Bonnie Raitt, Billy Bragg),DIDN’T IT RAIN was recorded at Ocean Way Studio in Los Angeles in January of this year. Complemented with the heart and accomplishment of his supporting musicians the CopperBottom Band — Jay Bellerose, Kevin Breit, Vincent Henry, David Piltch, Patrick Warren andElizabeth Lea along with additional contributions from Greg Leisz, Robby Marshall and LarryGoldings  the album also features several lead vocal performances from Guatemalan singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno and soul singer Jean McClain, who has previously worked with artists as varied as Jimmy Cliff and Sheryl Crow. The album also highlights a very special guest in the shape of the Grammy-winning blues artist Taj Mahal who contributes vocals to a new take on Little Brother Montgomery’s “Vicksburg Blues.”

DIDN’T IT RAIN will be released on CD and deluxe edition book CD with additional content, vinyl, and digital, including an iTunes exclusive package.

Once again Hugh Laurie will be joined by the incomparable Copper Bottom Band for a tour of Europe in June. Further information regarding domestic plans will be coming your way shortly. Until then, enjoy the music!