Record Reviews

DR. JOHN ~ ANUTHA ZONE VIRGIN 724384621827 (Barcode: 724384621827) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998 This is the 21st studio album by iconic American singer / keyboardist / songwriter / bandleader Dr. JohnFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Mac RebennackFind albums by this artist), recorded in New York and London with his regular band consisting of guitarist Bobby BroomFind albums by this artist, bassist David BarardFind albums by this artist and drummer Herman Ernest IIIFind albums by this artist and many additional guest musicians, including Paul WellerFind albums by this artist. The album presents fourteen songs, which were mostly written by Dr. John or co-written with his wife Cat YellenFind albums by this artist, except one song by John MartynFind albums by this artist. Stylistically this album returns to the early days of Dr. John with his New Orleans idiosyncrasies, Mardi Gras, Voodoo, etc. perfectly combined with Jazzy arrangements. The beautiful throaty voice, keyboards playing and general attitude of Dr. John are absolutely perfectly for these the Funky, Blues soaked, Boogie songs, and are a proof of his enormous talent. Listening to this album is one great thrill from start to finish, and the organ parts are simply delicious. Overall, this is a little hidden gem of American music, which deserves to be remembered and a lot can be learned from it about how to combine cross-genre musical sources to create a perfect amalgam, which is simply everlasting. Blues, Soul and vocal Jazz enthusiasts should love this album to bits!

Updated: 18/10/2023Posted: 18/10/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DR. JOHN ~ DUKE ELEGANT BLUE NOTE 724352322022 (Barcode: 724352322022) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion Recorded: 1999 Released: 2000 This is the 22nd studio album by iconic American singer / keyboardist / songwriter / bandleader Dr. JohnFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Mac RebennackFind albums by this artist), recorded in a quartet setting with guitarist Bobby BroomFind albums by this artist, bassist David BarardFind albums by this artist and drummer Herman Ernest IIIFind albums by this artist. Dr. John plays the Hammond B3 organ and piano. Saxophonist Ronnie CuberFind albums by this artist and percussionist Cyro BaptistaFind albums by this artist guest on selected tracks. The album presents twelve songs, which as the title suggests, were all written by Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist and are all known as Jazz standards, but get here a completely unique treatment. It is his first album released on the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label. The beautiful idiosyncratic voice, keyboards playing and general attitude of Dr. John work absolutely perfectly transforming these Jazz standards into the Funky, Blues soaked, Boogie songs, and are a proof of his enormous talent. Listening to this album is one great thrill from start to finish, and the organ parts are simply delicious. Overall, this is a little hidden gem of American music, which deserves to be remembered and a lot can be learned from it about how to combine cross-genre musical sources to create a perfect amalgam, which is simply everlasting. Blues, Soul and vocal Jazz enthusiasts should love this album to bits!

Updated: 24/10/2023Posted: 19/08/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DR. JOHN ~ LIVE IN EUROPE 1995 SALVO 035 (Barcode: 698458063526) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion Recorded: 1995 Released: 2014 This is a live album by iconic American singer / keyboardist / songwriter / bandleader Dr. JohnFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Mac RebennackFind albums by this artist), recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival with his regular band consisting of guitarist Bobby BroomFind albums by this artist, bassist David BarardFind albums by this artist, drummer Herman Ernest IIIFind albums by this artist, percussionist Smiley RicksFind albums by this artist and a brass section comprising of trumpeter Charlie MillerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Alvin Red TylerFind albums by this artist and baritone saxophonist Ronnie CuberFind albums by this artist. The CD album presents eleven tracks, and the accompanying DVD includes the CD contents and two additional tracks. The music includes a selection of Dr. John originals and Jazz / Pop standards, with Jazz oriented arrangements. The beautiful throaty voice, keyboards playing and general attitude of Dr. John are absolutely perfect for these Funky songs, and the live performances are full of energy and vigor. Listening to this album is one great thrill from start to finish, and the piano parts are simply delicious. Dr. John is one of the best live performers out there. Overall, this is a little hidden gem of American music, which deserves to be remembered and a lot can be learned from it about how to combine cross-genre musical sources to create a perfect amalgam, which is simply everlasting. Blues, Soul and vocal Jazz enthusiasts should love this album to bits!

Updated: 22/10/2023Posted: 22/10/2023

CD+DVD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

DR. JOHN ~ TRIBAL 429 RECORDS 795041780324 (Barcode: 795041780324) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010 This is the 30th studio album by iconic American singer / keyboardist / songwriter / bandleader Dr. JohnFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Mac RebennackFind albums by this artist), and the second and last album with the band Lower 911Find albums by this artist, which included guitarist John FohlFind albums by this artist, bassist David BarardFind albums by this artist, drummer Herman Ernest IIIFind albums by this artist and percussionist Kenneth WilliamsFind albums by this artist. It was recorded in several studios with additional huge group of musicians, with brass arrangements, strings, backing vocals, etc. The album presents sixteen tracks, all of which are original songs by Dr. John. Stylistically this album amalgamates all possible American musical styles, including the New Orleans musical roots and traditions, and spans many genres, including Gospel, Blues, Voodoo and of course Jazz and it is one of the most elaborate and diverse albums Dr. John ever recorded, proving again that he was one of America’s most talented musicians of all time. His idiosyncratic vocals, piano playing, sense of humor and general approach to music remain as one of the most recognizable symbols of American music. Overall, this is another gem of American music, which deserves to be remembered and a lot can be learned from it about how to combine cross-genre musical sources to create a perfect amalgam, which is simply everlasting. Blues, Soul and vocal Jazz enthusiasts should love this album to bits, as I obviously do as well.

Updated: 10/05/2024Posted: 10/05/2024

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend