Dr John's Gumbo - DR JOHN***

Iko Iko/Blow Wind Blow/Big Chief/Somebody Changed The Lock/Mess Around/Let The Good Times Roll/Junko Partner/Stack-A-Lee/Tipitina/Those Lonely Lonely Nights/Huey Smith Medley/Little Liza Jane

For Gumbo Dr John the Night Tripper moves away from voodoo and psychedelia to record his interpretation of some classic New Orleans standards from the fifties and early sixties. (US:112)

“Gone is the Night Tripper and the voodoo. In its place is homage to the great music that influenced him.”

“Dr John moves away from voodoo and psychedelia and instead indulges in a set of classic songs celebrating the musical tapestry from his hometown of New Orleans.”

The arrangements are warm and swinging and the good doctor's raspy voiced takes on the likes of Big Chief and Junko Partner are a lot of fun and packed with energy and affection.”

“This is the Dr John album to own and it is an incredible collection of songs. Playing fluid licks over his funky left hand bass lines, a tight rhythm section, and tasty horn arrangements, you'll feel like you're right on Bourbon Street.”

“This album serves as an excellent showcase for Dr. John's keyboard skills. Gumbo is just short of classic status and one of the few cover albums that would make it onto that list for me.”

“Only one original song in this album of cover versions of fifties and early sixties New Orleans standards. The vocals are extremely poor, croaked and mostly unintelligible and the sound quality is indifferent, with not even the piano being well recorded and an over-loud compressed bass that detracts from the period feel. The simplicity of the songs is exposed without the compensating warmth and charm of the originals.”

“Sure his voice is gravelly and seems completely off, but somehow it just doesn't matter. These songs are all in good fun, and Blow Wind Blow seems like it should be playing in the background of my life. Happy carefree type stuff with some great musicianship going on as well.”

“This is New Orleans R & B with muscle and bite, with wonderful, punchy arrangements and inspiring musicianship. The song selection is near perfect, each gem tailor-made to showcase Dr. John's multi-faceted talent.”