Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
No rating supplied
Dr. John's (Mac Rebennack) roots and down home feel garnered the respect
of his peers and music fans worldwide. His album "The Brightest Smile
In Town", which was released in 1983, featured the Cajun piano player
walking both sides of the musical street. The songs are a split between
instrumentals and vocal style renderings of standards and originals,
giving you an equal balance of the Dr.'s distinct vocal style and
inimitable piano voyages.
The album opens with "Saddled The Cow." The Dr. gets down to some
serious rhythm and blues and sings like he is taking a stroll in the
country, while the down-on-the-farm jaunt builds up a good head of
steam and turns into a Bourbon Street boogie. "Boxcar Boogie" is a
real rollicking honky-tonk saloon toe tapper. You can see, touch,
smell, and feel the streets of New Orleans when the Dr. plays his
music. This is the kind of song that has become Dr. John's signature.
Although his voice is instantly identifiable, it's his adroitness
on the piano keys that clearly define his sound and his musical roots.
As he closes out his colorful musical pageantry, he remembers from
whence he came and closes the curtain in style with an instrumental
enchanter entitled "Suite Home New Orleans."
There is only one Dr. John, and the Classic Records' 24/96 Master
Tape Sound gives the music a rebirth with a pristine and clean sound,
making it a rightful tribute to such a fine artist.
1. Saddled the Cow (Gordon) - 2:46
2. Boxcar Boogie (Doctor John) - 5:13
3. The Brightest Smile in Town (Charles/Devorzon/Sherman) - 3:10
4. Waiting for a Train (Rodgers) - 3:19
5. Monkey Puzzle (Black) - 4:39
6. Touro Infirmary (Traditional) - 4:44
7. Medley: Just A Closer Walk With Thee/Didn't He Ramble (Handy/Traditional)
- 6:29
8. Average Kind of Guy (Doctor John/Pomus) - 3:31
9. Pretty Libby (Doctor John) - 3:11
10. Marie Laveau (Gurley) - 3:54
11. Come Rain or Come Shine (Arlen/Mercer) - 4:41
12. Sweet Home New Orleans (Doctor John) - 3:50
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