This is the second in what will be a series of CDs mastered from Dr. John’s archived collection of 600 tapes of his live gigs over the past 20-plus years. The series is dubbed “The Rebennack Chronicles” because his real name is Mac Rebennack. The first CD – Reviewed Here – was from an appearance in New York City during Christmas week of 1986. This new one comes from the New Orleans pianist/composer/singer appearing at one of his favorites spots in his hometown with some of his favorite musicians – a sextet actually. You don’t have to be psychic to realize that his audience at Tipitina’s is really with the gris-gris man, letting the good times roll. All the ten tracks are a total kick, and the Dr.’s between-tune comments make everyone feel right at home. Bassist David Barard joins the Dr. on some of the vocals. He winds up with the best version I’ve heard yet of his wonderfully evocative tune Such a Night. The whole disc takes one back to New Orleans as it once was. Dig it!
Tracks: Junco Partner, Renegade, I Walk On Guilded Splinters, Traveling Mood, Black Widow, Let the Good Times Roll, Kinfolks, Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying, Wang Dang Doodle, Such A Night.
– John Henry
