Mac Rebennack, aka the late “Dr. John”, is in his element in more ways than one on this vinyl/download release from the Reagan years. First, he’s home in New Orleans, home at the famed local club Tipitina’s, and home at the solo piano, playing the songs that he grew up with and had grow on us.
His hands sound like the tradition passed down from the digits of Fats Domino and Professor Longhair, as his rich stride is as flavorful as gumbo on “Tipitina” and a sweaty “Stack-A-Lee” (the forerunner to the hit “Stagger Lee”). His eight to the bar is bonafide on the medley “Mama Roux/Rockin’ Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu” and he’s as relaxed as honeysuckle on the honeysuckle vineon “Such A Night” and “Good Night Irene”. On this night, he was at the right place at the right time.