John Hiatt to strips down the music for Englert performance

It’s been three years since John Hiatt crafted his latest album, “Leftover Feelings,” which was recorded with the Jerry Douglas Band. The project was nominated for a Best Americana Album Grammy in 2022. “Leftover Feelings” is the 25th album of Hiatt’s distinguished career, which commenced in 1972.

Hiatt, 72, who will deliver an acoustic set Tuesday at the Englert Theatre, has plenty to draw from when he hits the stage. Fortunately, Hiatt still plays three or four songs from his commercial breakthrough release, 1987’s “Bring the Family.”

The album, his first to chart on the Billboard 200, is a terrific release, which is bolstered by a backing unit that features guitarist Ry Cooder, bassist Nick Lowe and drummer Jim Keltner, which was Hiatt’s dream band. The songs are catchy and the grooves are deep but the album is all about Hiatt’s songwriting, which is filled with humor and irony.

“So much goes back to that album and I appreciate that record,” Hiatt said while calling from Nashville. “It was embraced by so many people and that’s a wonderful thing. That set things up well for me. People still want to hear songs from ‘Bring the Family.’ So much goes back to that album and I appreciate that record. It’s nice but it’s not the only album I’ve recorded.”

Hiatt has released an array of eclectic records, which span from roots-rock to folk to blues to country and even new wave.

“It would be boring to just play the same styles of songs over and over again,” Hiatt said. “I don’t get the point of repeating yourself. It’s more fun to mix things up. I have to do things my way. I’m not about making concessions hoping for the big hit.”

Hiatt never needed to sell out. His loyal fan base supports the gifted songwriter, who has penned such classics as Bonnie Raitt’s playful gem “Thing Called Love” and Three Dog Night’s smash “Sure as I’m Sitting Here.”

No recording artist writes quite like Hiatt, who has always been prolific. Hiatt has written so many tunes that it’s not easy for the Indianapolis native to write a set list. “It’s a good problem to have,” Hiatt said. “I’ve had a nice career. I’ve made a lot of albums but you know what? That just means that I’ve been around a long time. Hopefully, I’ll be around for a lot longer as well.”

Hiatt has created more than tunes. His daughter Lily Hiatt has followed in her father’s footsteps and has five albums to her name. Her dad obviously had a profound effect on her career.

“I definitely think what he has done as a songwriter has impacted my life,” Lily Hiatt said. “I think I’m like my dad since we’re both inspired people, who have never lost our joy of the world and we both like to observe what’s going on around us and put that into song.”

Hiatt’s keen observations are part of his appeal. “I enjoy writing immensely,” Hiatt said. “It’s what I do.”

Music is Hiatt’s lifework. It all started for Hiatt as a prepubescent child. “I first picked up a guitar when I was 11,” Hiatt recalled. “I took lessons for about two months but I quit. The guitar teacher was trying to teach me music but I just wanted to learn some chords and play rock ‘n’ roll.”

Hiatt wrote his first song in middle school. “I always liked writing songs and singing them,” Hiatt said. “I hope I bring people joy with my songs. I know I certainly enjoy singing my songs.”