Bonnie Raitt preps first new album in 7 years

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Bonnie Raitt is releasing a new album in 2012, her first in seven years.

"Slipstream," out April 10, follows a long break from studio work for the Grammy-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member. She lost her parents, her brother and her best friend.

"I hadn't stopped moving in a very long time so I really wanted to take a total break and not concentrate on making a new record or what I was going to do next," Raitt said. "So that was really valuable because I waited until I was really ready to come back."

"Slipstream" is the 62-year-old slide guitarist's first album since 2005's "Souls Alike" and will be the first release on her own record label, Redwing Records. The 12-track album will feature four songs recorded with producer Joe Henry and his musicians, which she describes as experimental. The remainder of the album is self-produced with her touring band.

She says she's thrilled with the resulting eclectic mix of blues, rock and soul that even includes a dash of reggae and Celtic sounds. She covers Bob Dylan's "Million Miles" and "Standing in the Doorway," and Loudon Wainwright III's "You Can't Fail Me Now" as well.

"It's just a new batch of great songs," Raitt said.

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