Hugh Laurie 'plays gig in New Orleans'

Hugh Laurie has played a blues show at a small bar in New Orleans.

The Guardian reports that the House actor performed in front of a specially invited audience. The show was arranged to launch promotion for Laurie's debut album Let Them Talk.

The Golden Globe winner said in a statement: "I was not born in Alabama in the 1890s. I've never eaten grits, cropped a share, or ridden a boxcar. I am a white, middle-class Englishman, openly trespassing on the music and myth of the American south.

"If that weren't bad enough, I'm also an actor - one of those pampered ninnies who can't find his way through an airport without a babysitter."

Laurie, who is a self-taught musician, worked with critically acclaimed musician and producer Joe Henry on the record.

He also makes appearances in an actors' supergroup called Band From TV, whose members include House co-star Jesse Spencer and Heroes actor Greg Grunberg.

Let Them Talk will be released on May 9.

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