Mellencamp on "Life, Death, Love, And Freedom"

John Mellencamp comes to the Bank of America Pavilion for two shows tomorrow and Tuesday with Lucinda Williams. (Tix still available here).

We did a quick email Q&A with him this week about his new album "Life, Death, Love, And Freedom," which was produced by T Bone Burnett and, like good coffee, is strong, dark, and stimulating. ("SE" also snuck in a question about his upcoming musical theatre collaboration with Stephen King, "Ghost Brothers of Darkland County.")

Tuesday will be a big day for Mellencamp, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year. In addition to his second Boston show, "LDLF" drops in stores, and he will have news in the Globe about this year's Farm Aid benefit concert.

Q. Having produced yourself for so many years where did the impulse to call T Bone come from for the new album?

A. Having known T bone for a long time, I always liked his production. He gave me the freedom to concentrate more on the songs and my performance and not being as concerned [with] what the band was doing.

Q. As a songwriter and performer you have always projected a very individual attitude that seemed unconcerned with outside opinion or influence, but that sense of liberation really comes across forcefully on this album. Is that simply a function of evolution or did you approach the songwriting/singing differently this time?

A. All of the above... at this point it would seem incorrect to chase some elusive
formula.

Q. There is a good deal of rumination about death on the record but there are also several instances of you expressing gratitude, wonderment, and even a little bit of hope for the way you have lived, fought, and loved. Did recording this album alter your feelings about mortality at all or the way you hope to live the rest of your life?

A. One should not assume that this record is personal, these songs were written over a 15 day period in the tradition of the American folk songbook.

Q. It's terrific that you're touring with Lucinda. Any chance you two might be performing together at all?

A. Haven't discussed it yet...it’s a nice idea.

Q. Little Big Town member Karen Fairchild provides some great harmonies on the album. What was the inspiration for her inclusion?

A. I have worked with Karen on [his last album] "Freedom's Road" as well as LBT opened up for me for a tour, so I have found that our voices sound good together.

Q. How much did you love Billy Joel's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction speech? What did you make of his sentiment that the world needs to hear the particular way you give voice to feelings of frustration and alienation?

A. Billy is a great songwriter so I always appreciate his thoughts...and humor.

Q. On your last album you observed that freedom's road must be under construction. Do you have any reason to believe that it will be re-opened any time soon?

A. There is always hope and optimism.

Q. What is the status of your theatrical collaboration with Mr. King?

A. Still working. Steve is very fastidious, and I believe is re working the 2nd act.