ZZ Top’s new album will feature songs with late bassist Dusty Hill

Billy Gibbons has recently revealed in an interview with Classic Rock that the upcoming ZZ Top album will feature songs recorded with late bassist Dusty Hill.

This album will be a follow-up to “La Futura” (2012), and it could be out later this year. The record will also include songs with Hill’s replacement, Elwood Francis.

Gibbons spoke about the new ZZ Top album:

Are things coming to the boil yet? Yeah. In fact, we are currently reviewing the tracks that deserve completion. Dusty is on some of those, so is Elwood. What’s fascinating is that we have three or four tracks with them both. They’re trading off. The only tell-tale difference is that Dusty, playing with his fingers, sounds a little warmer.

Gibbons went on to say:

Dusty was a great guy, a swell singer. He provided a solid platform for me to solo without having to look back. He was always on it. Dusty used to say: ‘If I’m late to the stage, be sure to give my guitar to Elwood.’ Elwood is a family member; he’s been with us for three decades. And sure enough, Elwood picked up the parts and pieces. But whereas Dusty played with his fingers, Elwood uses a pick. It’s a little sharper. He brings a little more finesse. And at the first rehearsal he showed up with a full beard longer than mine.