He's just taken Charlie Sheen's place as the highest-paid actor on US television, but that's not going to stop Hugh Laurie from singing the blues.
The British actor, who stars in the television medical drama series House MD, has recorded a debut blues album to be released in May. Last week he showcased material from the album, Let Them Talk, in New Orleans, in a small club in front of an invited audience which included his former co-star and writing partner, the British comic Stephen Fry.
Laurie played alongside local musicians including the renowned Allen Toussaint.
Recorded in Ocean Way Studios in September 2010, Let Them Talk is a collection of Laurie's favourite blues songs and features guest artists Tom Jones, Dr John and Irma Thomas.
In a statement released ahead of the record, Laurie anticipates some sniggering over his choice of genre.
"I was not born in Alabama in the 1890s. I have never eaten grits, cropped a share or ridden a boxcar," he said.
"If that weren't bad enough, I'm also an actor, one of those pampered ninnies who can't find his way through an airport without a babysitter."
Producer Joe Henry played it straight however, claiming people will be "stunned" by Laurie's take on blues classics.
"I'm sincere when I say I think people will be stunned, not just at how much time he's devoted to his musical life but how interesting his take on the music is."
