John Rebennack better known as Dr. John has had a storied career. He first honed his chops in his home town of New Orleans. In the early 60s he was an in demand studio session player in Los Angeles. Upon his return to New Orleans he once again embraced that cities sound but added a psychedelic element to the mix.
Dr. John became known at the Nite Tripper, a scary, funky voodoo man with albums that became classics like Gris-Gris. His record Desitively Bonnaroo became the name of the most successful concert festival of the last twenty years in the US.
In the 90s and 00s Dr. John tamed his act, catering to the New Orleans tourist scene with a more traditional brand of music. Decent albums with good musicianship but ultimately forgettable.
Along comes The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach, a fan of Dr. John the Nite Tripper. Auerbach convinced Rebennack to revive the swampy psychedelia and the result is a fabulous new album called Locked Down.
Produced by Auerbach, the album finds Dr. John playing an assortment of keyboards which give the songs that Nite Tripper feel. Auerbach's production updates that late 60s sound wonderfully. It's so good to have the Doctor back in the house.
Artist: Dr. John
Album: Locked Down
Review: Los Angeles Times
