Dr. John :Top Ten Recordings

DR. JOHN'S TOP TEN ALBUMS

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10.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.