Originally a minor hit for Huey “Piano” Smith, the song went on to become a US Top 10 entry for Johnny Rivers in 1972; it’s been recorded by several acts through the years, including a 1974 version by Professor Longhair referenced by Deep Purple keyboardist Don Airey in a companion video clip previewing the tune.
“I just love the whole, y;’know, that style of piano playing,” explains Airey. “I’m supposed to say it’s a song I always wanted to do since I was a child, but it was quite new to me. I didn’t know the original very well but I knew Professor Longhair’s version, which is the kind of one that inspired my arrangement…y’know, the barrelhouse feel.”
Due November 26 and produced by Bob Ezrin, “Turning To Crime” is the first studio record by Deep Purple entirely made of songs not written by the band and previously recorded by other artists.
The follow-up to 2020’s “Whoosh!” features songs originally done by Cream, The Yardbirds, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan and more.
“Turning To Crime” will be available in multiple formats, including limited colored vinyl 2LP, classic black vinyl 2LP, Digisleeve CD, Jewelbox CD, and digital.
Deep Purple will host an exclusive listening session for newsletter subscribers to preview the record on Tuesday, November 23; for full details, visit turningtocrime.com.
Deep Purple
“Turning To Crime”
Release date: November 26
01. 7 And 7 Is (orig by Love)
02. Rockin’ Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu (orig by Huey ‘Piano’ Smith)
03. Oh Well (orig by Fleetwood Mac)
04. Jenny Take A Ride! (orig by Mitch Ryder And The Detroit Wheels)
05. Watching The River Flow (orig by Bob Dylan)
06. Let The Good Times Roll (orig by Ray Charles and Quincy Jones)
07. Dixie Chicken (orig by Little Feat)
08. Shapes Of Things (orig by The Yardbirds)
09. The Battle Of New Orleans (orig by Lonnie Donegan/Johnny Horton)
10. Lucifer (orig by Bob Seger System)
11. White Room (orig by Cream)
12. Caught In The Act [Medley: Going Down/Green Onions/Hot ‘Lanta/Dazed and Confused/Gimme Some Lovin’]
See also:
Deep Purple to host Turning To Crime listening session livestream
Stream preview of Deep Purple covers album Turning To Crime
Deep Purple stream cover of Fleetwood Mac classic
Deep Purple release 7 And 7 Is video
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Search Whitesnake at hennemusic
Search Rainbow at hennemusic
