#16 - Top 20 Influential Albums

In The Right Place - Dr John

Ok. Let me start by saying, Dr John or Malcolm John Rebennack Jr if you will, is THE MAN!

If I had even half the amount of his coolness, I'd me one happy girl. Alas, it's not to be, probably because I use words like "coolness" and was born in Halifax instead of New Orleans. Sigh.

In around 2009, I worked in a little cafe in Halifax, I'd usually get stuck down in the underground kitchen, prepping salads and sandwiches, and this album became my only light source.

A customer/friend brought it in for me to listen to as he thought it would be one I'd enjoy as he knew I loved The Band's Last Waltz album, which featured Dr John. If you've heard us play live, you've probably heard us cover his song "Such a Night".

I love how Dr John blends New Orleans style Blues and Jazz with funk. He is a phenomenal musician! He initially was a guitarist but his ring finger was injured in a shooting after one of his shows in Jacksonville. With his fretting finger out of action, he took to piano instead, and boy did it TAKE.

He had a fascinating life, including a brief stint running a brothel and overcoming addiction. He continued on the music scene until his death on the 6th June 2019. I'd have loved to have known him.