Luther Dickinson Makes ‘Magic Music For Family Folk’ On New Solo Album Featuring Yola, Allison Russell & More

Yola and Allison Russell are among those who contributed to Luther Dickinson’s upcoming guest-filled album, Magic Music For Family Folk, due out on November 17 via Antone’s Records/New West Records. The North Mississippi Allstars guitarist also shared a cover of The Staple Singers popularized “Are You Sure” featuring NMA collaborators Sharde Thomas and Sharisse Norman from the LP.

Magic Music for Family Folk finds Dickinson sharing some of his favorite songs from his childhood growing up with his brother/NMA bandmate Cody in a musical family with their father, Jim Dickinson, a legendary southern musician and producer.

“My father, Jim Dickinson, learned ‘Old Blue,’ ‘Turkey in the Straw,’ and ‘Old Hen’ from his friends and teachers, Memphis musicians Furry Lewis and Gus Cannon,” Luther said. “Passing his songs down to a fourth generation felt magical and inspired the title.”

The album also features songs from The Meters, John Lee Hooker, Mississippi John Hurt, Doc Watson and more along with additional contributions from singer-songwriter Lillie Mae and Luther’s family members. Dickinson further detailed the album:

“This collection of my childhood favorites was recorded for fun, at home, with family and friends, in the spirit of sharing. As a new father, I needed music that my family and friends could enjoy that’s also suited to my funky taste and organic, acoustic aesthetic. Having daughters altered my listening habits and it was hard to find records that we all liked, so I had to make one.

“Everyone is welcome.”

Additionally, Dickinson noted that the lion’s share of the material was recorded “during dinner parties, sleepovers, and play dates…I wanted to expose my kids to the joy of recording music. So we would invite friends over to the house and record, family style.”

While the music was burned onto CDs for the family car, Dickinson didn’t return to the project until recently.

“When it comes to art or music, the perspective of time can’t be bought or faked,” he stated. “This record definitely benefited from fresh ears, as well as techniques and sounds I had developed over the years doing production and film scores.”

Dickinson’s daughters recorded vocals for the album in 2017 and also more recently. “Having my daughters sing along with their younger selves was a unique sensation and document of their youth,” Luther said.

On lead single “Are You Sure” Dickinson added, “Mavis Staples and The Staple Singers have been an influential force in our family. They set an example of love and togetherness for all, inspiring three generations of my family. The melody and message of ‘Are You Sure’ resonates with my intention behind recording Magic Music for Family Folk.”

Listen to “Are You Sure,” premiered by Relix Magazine, below:

Magic Music for Family Folk Tracklist:

1. Are You Sure
2. They All Ask’d For You
3. Crawdad
4. Old Blue
5. Beulah Land
6. Old Hen
7. Turkey In The Straw
8. Chicken
9. Boom Boom
10. Pay Day
11. Whatever River