Leo Tolstoy once asserted that "All great literature is one of two stories: a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town." In the context of Andrew Duhon and his latest album, Emerald Blue, both of these narratives ring true. In 2019, Duhon temporarily departed from his longtime home and musical inspiration in New Orleans, immersing himself in the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. The vibrant colors of this new environment, particularly what he calls 'emerald blue,' became a profound source of inspiration for the album, a color mirroring the gaze of his partner's eyes.

The record reflects on whether this change in location heightened Duhon's awareness to the specific shade of his partner's eyes, or if living below sea level had previously obscured this detail. Emerald Blue is more than just an exploration of the familiar within the context of the unfamiliar; it serves as a thoughtful appreciation of the everyday aspects of life, functioning as a note-taking exercise in existence.

In crafting the eleven-song collection, Duhon collaborated with friends and musicians such as Jano Rix on drums, percussion, and harmonies; Myles Weeks on upright and electric basses and harmonies; and Dan Walker on keys and accordion. Returning to the South for the recording process, Duhon found solace and creative energy in Maurice, Louisiana's renowned Dockside Studios. With the assistance of GRAMMY-winning engineer Trina Shoemaker, a long-time collaborator, the album meticulously captures the essence, beauty, and texture inherent in each song.