We were a little puzzled when we heard some describe Tony Joe White’s new release as a “blues album.” What Tony Joe White record isn’t a blues album?

Since emerging in 1969 by recording “Polk Salad Annie” and writing the brilliant “Rainy Night in Georgia,” a hit in the hands of Brook Benton in 1970. White has turned out decades of soulful and bluesy recordings, all stamped with his signature sound.

Yet “Bad Mouthin'” is indeed a return to his roots. It’s stripped down and simple, distilling Tony Joe’s  music to its essence. The title cut is also vintage, a long lost song from the very beginning of his songwriting efforts.

Tony Joe White explains how it all came about in this edition of the Americana Music News podcast.