(Artist Update)

Written by: Jake Beach  

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Philosopher, an album complementing his memoir co-authored with Adam Jablin, was released on October 24 via KTBA Records, both digitally and on CD. KTBA, The label founded by Joe Bonamassa and Roy Weisman has been home to Dion’s acclaimed recent collaborations, including Blues With Friends (2020), Stomping Ground (2021), and Girl Friends (2023). Leading the album’s rollout is “I’m Your Gangster of Love,” a fresh track available today on streaming platforms and one of six new Dion and Mike Aquilina compositions on the record.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Philosopher presents a carefully crafted mix of new material, reimagined Dion classics, and select tracks from the past decade. Echoing themes from the book, the album chronicles Dion’s personal and creative journey. In the liner notes, Dion reveals he selected and, in some cases, adapted songs discussed in his memoir, which explores music, addiction, recovery, faith, and life lessons.

The album features high-profile collaborations with Sonny Landreth, Joe Bonamassa, Mark Knopfler, and Eric Clapton. Clapton, who also penned a 600-word foreword for the album and the prologue for the book, lauds Dion as **“**one of a kind, unparalleled in his achievement and stature… a genius singer, writer, musician and healer.” Clapton is featured on “If You Wanna Rock and Roll,” a new Dion original.

Highlights include “New York Minute,” a Dion Aquilina co-write that debuted earlier this year, and a new version of “New York Is My Home,” produced by Jimmy Vivino. The late Scott Kempner, co-founder of the Dictators and Del-Lords, contributed to two tracks: “In A Heartbeat of Time” and an updated live recording of “King of the New York Streets,” both performed initially with Dion’s mid-’90s band, Little Kings.

The album also presents “Serenade/Come To the Cross,” blending Tom Waits’ “San Diego Serenade” with Dion’s own faith-driven songwriting. Classic hits like “Ruby Baby,” “Runaround Sue,” and “The Wanderer” are revisited, alongside a newly recorded, intimate version of “Abraham, Martin and John”—a song Dion now calls his favourite after decades of interpretations.

Music historian Gene Sculatti provides comprehensive liner notes, drawn from recent conversations with Dion, who describes this collection as “an ideal set list, the songs I’d most like to play, all together in the perfect concert.”

Dion DiMucci, known simply as “Dion” to generations of rock and roll fans, has rightfully earned the legendary status often ascribed to him.

Dion’s eight-decade career includes 39 Top 40 hits in the late 1950s and early ’60s. He continued to evolve through the ’70s and ’80s, exploring folk, blues, and gospel—earning a Grammy nomination in 1985 and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1989. Between the mid-2000s and 2024, he released seven acclaimed blues albums, three of which reached number 1.

The Rock ’N’ Roll Philosopher stands as an essential listen for fans of blues and rock.

The album’s multi-dimensional sound is enhanced by collaborations with Joe Bonamassa, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, and Sonny Landreth. Notable tracks include “I’m Your Gangster,” “New York Minute,” “New York is My Home” (reissued from 2016 with Paul Simon), “King of the New York Streets,” “Mother and Son,” and “In a Heartbeat of Time,” written with Scott Kempner.

The album offers an eclectic blend, from the exuberance of Dion’s classic hits to heartfelt ballads like “Mother and Son” and the Jimmy Vivino-produced “New York Is My Home.”

“Serenade/Come To the Cross,” an adaptation of Tom Waits’ “San Diego Serenade,” stands out as a hauntingly beautiful track.

Among the sixteen tracks are standouts like “Take it Back” with Bonamassa, “Crying Shame” with Landreth, “Dancing Girl” with Knopfler, and “If You Wanna Rock and Roll” with Clapton.

Nostalgic reissues include “Runaround Sue,” “The Wanderer,” “Ruby Baby,” and what Dion considers his definitive take on “Abraham, Martin and John.”

The project unites new recordings, covers, reissues, and collaborations, serving as a companion to Dion’s memoir.

Dion told Gene Sculatti the album represents his “ideal set list the songs I’d most like to play, all together in the perfect concert.”

According to release notes, The Rock ‘n’ Roll Philosopher is a meticulously curated mix of new songs, reimagined classics, and material from the last decade, reflecting Dion’s life journey just like the book.

The album arrives via KTBA Records, the label responsible for Dion’s recent acclaimed collaborations.

This album is destined to be a prized addition to any rock or blues enthusiast's collection.

At 86, Dion’s timeless voice is supported by top-tier musicianship throughout.

My colleagues at Soundwave Music Media and I remain committed to delivering comprehensive rock music reports to our audience. We encourage you to support our initiative by purchasing a Soundwave shirt or hat and engaging with our sponsors. Your support is invaluable as we continue our mission to bring you the best in rock music coverage. Stay tuned for our next update.

ATTENTION ALL MUSICIANS AND ARTISTS!

If you're passionate about your music and you're ready to take your career to the next level, you need to reading this. In today's world, getting your music out there isn't just a dream; it's a reality. You don't need a big record label holding you back. You need freedom, control, and the tools to succeed. Soundwave Music Media has a special deal just for you. Use this link and code below to receive  20% off your DistroKid membership. Get your music out there and you maybe the next artist we report on.