Percussionist Mike Dillon is undoubtedly an eccentric soul. Having released albums of various influences over the years, Dillon’s latest effort, Functioning Broke, finds the vibraphonist, bandleader, vocalist and songwriter recording the entire album on his own.

Set for an April 29th release via Royal Potato Family, the material on the album ranges from six reimagined Elliott Smith compositions, such as “Behind The Bars,” and “Half Right”, as well as covers of Neil Young‘s “The Needle & The Damage Done,” Martin Denny‘s “The Enchanted Sea”, and four originals from Dillon himself, including “Chimp & Flower” and “Tabla Goodnight.”

Listen to “Half Right,” below:

“I had been playing around with Elliott Smith songs as I enjoyed the harmonic movement of his songwriting. So in between Primus tours last year, I went into the studio and started tracking the various members of the mallet and percussion family like marimba, xylophone, timpani, orchestral bells, tubular bells, tabla and congas,” explains Dillon in a statement about the genesis of the album. “We got together every couple of months and would layer the instruments as the song demanded. What I originally thought was a fun little side project quickly became something that my pals said I should complete and release as a proper album.” 

For fans of Dillon, be sure to check him out at the Megalomaniac’s Ball featuring Dean Ween Group, Mike Dillon’s New Orleans Punk Rock Percussion Consortium, Stanton Moore Trio (ft. Dave Torkanowsky, James Singleton), and The Illuminasti Trio (ft. Mike Dillon, Brian Haas, & James Singleton). The Jazz Fest late night is going down on Wednesday, April 27th at the Howlin’ Wolf, and more information can be found here.

You can pre-order Dillon’s new album, Functioning Broke, here.