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

ROBERT WYATT ~ SHLEEP DOMINO 45 (Barcode: 5034202204428) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1996 - 1997 Released: 2008 7th album by Robert WyattFind albums by this artist, which follows up the previous release in the path of returning to more conventional music making and musical cooperation with other musicians, mostly from the Avant-Garde and jazz circles, like guitarist Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Evan ParkerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Paul WellerFind albums by this artist and others. Also the co-writing partnership with his wife Alfreda BengeFind albums by this artist, who contributes her poetic lyrics to Wyatt´s songs, seems to thrive, creating less radical political statements and more abstract vistas. The music is again (as in the early days of his career) a mixture of Jazz and Prog, which is something Wyatt´s fans are most comfortable with. Much more melodic, even if still melancholic at times, this is Wyatt´s greatest musical work in his second life – music phase. The six years his fans had to wait for this album were definitely worth waiting for, with a gentler (although still strongly outspoken) Wyatt delivering what he does best – personal, straight form the heart musical gems. A triumphant return to splendid form and a minor masterpiece!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend