(Wolfson) New school meets old school when rising soul sensation Mayer Hawthorne and legendary Memphis organ player Booker T. Jones join Daryl Hall on a special two-part episode which premieres with the 43rd edition of Live From Daryl's House. The newest installment of the Webby and MTV O Music award-winning Internet series, which last year made its broadcast debut on WGN America to impressive ratings, will debut at www.lfdh.com on June 15, followed by an episode featuring Daryl and Booker T. with Hawthorne as the guest artist on July 15.
Mayer Hawthorne was born in Ann Arbor, MI, listening on the car radio to the rich soul music coming out of the Motor City. He counts Isaac Hayes, Leroy Hutson, Mike Terry and Barry White among his influences, but draws the most inspiration from Smokey Robinson, Curtis Mayfield and the legendary Motown songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland, which he shares with Daryl. After several critically acclaimed releases for the independent Stones Throw label, Hawthorne signed with Universal Republic for his upcoming new album, How Do You Do, and is currently on tour with Bruno Mars and Janelle Monαe.
"I'm all about fun, and Live from Daryl's House was one of the most fun things I've ever done," enthused Hawthorne. "I want to be there every month."
Accompanied by the great keyboardist Booker T. Jones, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member from his work with the renowned Stax Records group Booker T and the MGs, which also included guitarist Steve Cropper, bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn and drummer Al Jackson Jr. ("Green Onions"), Hawthorne and Daryl performed a six-song set for the first installment of the two-part series.
"I love the 'at home' atmosphere of performing 'at Daryl's House'," marveled Jones. "Daryl's immediate and extended family stay near and furnish his guests with food, warmth and an audience."
Hawthorne sings four of his own originals, including "A Strange Arrangement," the title track from his 2009 debut album; "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out," his first single; "No Strings," released in April as a 10" single, and "Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' Nothin'," a song featured on an episode in the fourth season of TV's Ugly Betty. In addition, Mayer and Daryl perform a pair of Daryl Hall & John Oates classics, "You Make My Dreams Come True" and "Private Eyes."
Says Daryl: "This kid is the real deal. He and I share musical tastes, and it's so great seeing a young artist like Mayer embrace classic soul and R&B. He's part of a new wave that I call 'NU-Soul.'"
