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Gris-Gris
The original Doctors prescription--good for
whatever ails you. You can put this on and be transported
into another world that is both spooky and eerily beautiful.
The music is unlike anything you'll hear elsewhere, even to
this day. Just remember: you may not want to come back. |
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Desitively
Bonnaroo Truly a classic, re-released last
year by Joel Dorn's LabelM (thanks!). Though not the commercial
success that In the Right Place, its predecessor, was,
this disc has 12 gems that don't ever let you down. Not one
bad song is performed, not one weak note is played. Yes, it
really is that good. |
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Gumbo
Once the psychedelic voodoo market had slackened,
the Doctor found his way to this more traditional mix of New
Orleans-style classics, and the mix is indeed a tasty one.
You'll enjoy the Doctor's renditions of "Iko Iko",
"Big Chief" and "Tipitina" almost as much
as a steaming bowl of gumbo. Almost. |
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Brightest
Smile In Town One of the two solo piano
discs Rebennack cut for Clean Cuts records, this one has more
vocal work that the similarly excellent Dr. John Plays
Mac Rebennack. Anyone who enjoys blues, jazz, and roots
piano music will find this disc essential. Get it while it's
available. |
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In
The Right Place Contains two top hits,
"Right Place, Wrong Time" and "Such a Night"
that put the Doctor on the map and in the charts. While not
quite as transcendent as the followup, Desitively Bonaroo",
there's a lot of great stuff here, and Atco has had the
good sense to digitally remaster this from first-generation
master tapes. |
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Creole
Moon The Doctor shows that the 2001 model
is every bit as relevant and tasty as the '68 model. There's
a bit of everything that made him famous here, from the gris-gris
vibe of "Bruha Bembe" to the Meters-influenced funk
of "Food For Thot". You also get fabulous R&B
ballads ("Imitation of Love") and a jazzy suite
("Creole Moon"). Time will show this one to be a
classic. |
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Dr.
John Plays Mac Rebennack The companion
to Brightest Smile In Town has Rebennack paying tribute
to the great New Orleans piano professors who influenced him.
In addition, you'll have a great time being reminded that
this man can really play the piano, something far too many
have forgotten. |
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Goin'
Back to New Orleans Like Gumbo, this
album is a take on traditional New Orleans music, but it goes
all the way back to the roots, including slave chants and
Caribbean music. You also get the early jazz history of the
city on tracks like "Didn't He Ramble" and "I
Thought I Heard Buddy Bolden Say". This album is essential
to really understanding what Dr. John has always been all
about. |
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In
A Sentimental Mood Wonderful, understated
performances of songs by Cole Porter and Duke Ellington, among
others, that demonstrate the depth and sophistication that
the Doctor brings to bear on any music he chooses to play. |
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City Lights Cool record
that is often overlooked, this album features great songs
written by Mac Rebennack and Doc Pomus. Sadly it appears to
be currently out of print. Worth searching for a vinyl copy. |
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