Mack Rebbenack aka Doctor John, a solid seminal New Orleans Pianist, singer, song writer, and session guy, has passed away at age 77. The bands and musicians he worked with is very long. Between voodoo, jazz, blues, and rock, the guy was everywhere for several decades.
If you want blues content imagine a kid with like 2 harps and the In the Right Place album trying to jam along. Crazy times! That was me in about 1974. ---------- Music and travel destroy prejudice.
Damm, I really liked that guy just was listening to one his albums earlier today. He stayed true to his music and kept a lot of tradition alive in it passing it on to younger generation He will be missed. Lou
He played The Soup Kitchen in Detroit in the 80's. I was the piano tech in Detroit for many shows like this. For some reason, this gig rider included renting my CP-70 Electric Grand in addition to the old upright on the stage at The Soup Kitchen. Dr. John was very laid back and cool, but that night I noticed that he never played the CP-70, instead using it as a place to put his beer on while he played the upright. ---------- The Iceman
Not tryin to hijack the thread (RIP Doctor John - loved that guy), but jbone, I tried to go to your youtube link to see some of your stuff and received a video unavailable message. Just thought you should know.
So very sad to read this news. I love his style of playing. If you haven't seen this clip featuring Dr. John, Paul Butterfield, David Sanborn and Levon Helm, I think your spirits will be lifted some once you do see and hear this. R.I.P., Mack.
@Heathen, best version of that song ever. We went to Woodstock a week ago. Did not get to see Levon's place sadly. I know he had many greats come through there to jam. The town is a cutesie glitzy little gem now. But what a lineup!
I've seen Dr. John three times, twice in Detroit in 1968-69ish, and once in San Diego. In Detroit, at the Rock and Revival at the Fairgrounds, and at the Grande Ballroom, he was in full Night Tripper regalia. Years later, in San Diego at the Belly Up, I think, he was more Mac Rebbennack, a sweet New Orleans musician in full participation of the tradition. At the BU, he revealed himself as he always, a world class pianist fluent in a number of styles, whether blues, boogie woogie, stride, straight ahead jazz, ragtime. His mastery of the styles, which was seamless and elegant, shows a man who never skipped a piano lesson and practiced and gigged until he had the sound and swing he wanted to have. He was a fine guitarist as well, and I imagine there were a number of instruments he could play funky music with. Performer, musician, songwriter, singer, sideman, producer, he could do it all. He was one of my favorite singers as well; raspy, idiomatic, sly and sexy. This man made wonderful, joyous music. ---------- www.ted-burke.com
