Hugh Laurie sings blues on new album

British actor Hugh Laurie, shown Feb. 25, is to release an album of New Orleans blues. (Associated Press)

British actor Hugh Laurie, the star of House, has announced plans to record a blues album.

Warner label WME will release the album, which will be produced by Joe Henry, who has worked with artists such as Elvis Costello, Teddy Thompson and Loudon Wainwright.

Laurie, a British comedy legend who adopts an American persona as the irascible Dr. House, plays the piano, guitar, drums, harmonica and saxophone.

Laurie has played keyboards in the charity group Band From TV and played on Meat Loaf's latest album.

He also has demonstrated his musical talent on British shows such as A Bit Of Fry And Laurie and Jeeves And Wooster as well as on U.S. shows such as the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

"I am drunk with excitement at this opportunity," Laurie said in a statement.

"I know the history of actors making music is a checkered one, but I promise no one will get hurt. I am particularly thrilled to be working with Joe Henry, who has produced some of my favourite records of all time, and I can't wait to get started."

He'll be recording the New Orleans blues album this summer, with a plan to release it in the fall
.