Ellington

With his 10th album release, "What The Hell is Goin' On?" Paul Thorn is doing things a little differently. After making his name writing semi-autobiographical original songs culled from his widely varying life experiences—everything from being raised by a pimp and a preacher to working in a furniture factory or as a professional boxer, Thorn put down the pen and instead recorded an album of covers.

"What the Hell" features Thorn's spin on songs such as Big Al Anderson's "Jukin'" and Eli "Paperboy" Reed's "Take My Love With You." Thorn felt a strong connection to each song on the album and has performed most of them for audiences at shows in the past, which lends a comfortable, nearly live quality to the record.

Jackson fans will be the first to hear live the songs off the new album (released yesterday), as Thorn kicks off a national tour at Duling Hall in Fondren. He'll also be performing old favorites from records past and maybe even a new original song or two, destined for his next release.

See The Paul Thorn Band May 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). Tickets are $20 in advance online at Ticketmaster or in person at Babalu Tacos and Tapas, Morningbell Records or the Coliseum box office. Tickets are $25 at the door. Call 601-941-1432 for more information.