In late June, North Mississippi Allstars announced their forthcoming studio album, Up and Rolling, set for release on October 4th via New West Records. The band, fronted by brothers Luther Dickinson and Cody Dickinson, recently shared a new single, “Mean Old World”, featuring Jason Isbell and Duane Betts.
The forthcoming album was produced by the Dickinson brothers at their family studio, The Zebra Ranch, and features a plethora of all-star guests including Mavis Staples, Isbell, Cedric Burnside, Betts, and Sharde Thomas.
Luther Dickinson shared the backstory for bringing “Mean Old World” in to the studio with Rolling Stone . He explained,
1970 was a dark time indeed, and Jimi Hendrix did not survive, passing away, taking the “alpha jerk.” The story goes that Derek and the Dominoes were planning on leaving Miami and going to Jimi’s funeral, but at the last minute Eric Clapton heard that he was expected to play at the service. Eric did not want to play Jimi Hendrix’s funeral and stayed behind in Florida as the Dominoes went ahead and attended.
That is the setup for Eric and Duane [Allman] recording their acoustic version of “Mean Old World,” with Jim Dickinson on piano.
“Mean Old World” was not released on the ‘Layla’ album but later surfaced on the ‘Duane Allman Anthology’, without the piano. To our family’s disappointment Tom Dowd had muted Dickinson’s piano track in the mix. Decades later the ‘Layla’ box set was released including all the sessions’ outtakes. Finally, “Mean Old World” with the piano is heard. Cody and I have been playing the song ever since. It always pops up.
Listen to North Mississippi Allstars’ take on “Mean Old World” below:
North Mississippi Allstars ft. Jason Isbell & Duane Betts – “Mean Old World”
[Video: New West Records]
To pre-order Up and Rolling, view a full list of the band’s upcoming tour dates, ticketing, and more information, head to North Mississippi Allstars website.