Dr John - Trader John’s Crawfish Soiree

Double prescription from the Night Tripper’s early years

These two discs are comprised of tracks that Dr John laid down in the mid-60s, prior to the release of any of his albums. Many tracks that surfaced on Zu Zu Man get their first airings here, in a set of breezy New Orleans R&B. As Mac Rebennack, he’d been a prolific Crescent City session man for many years, but the time had come for him to go solo. The album’s 24 tracks slowly reveal the young Rebennack crystallising into his Dr John alter ego, though there’s little sign of the darkness that informed his voodoo masterpiece, Gris Gris.

There are a couple of problems. One has to question SPV’s logic in omitting essential information such as recording dates or personnel for the recording sessions. Even simple estimates would have helped to give some context. Even more confusingly, the photos that adorn the packaging are of Dr John in his 60s, not the 60s. That shouldn’t detract from the quality of the music, though. With tunes like Professor Longhair’s Baldhead and the Doctor’s own Cat & Mouse Game, there’s plenty to enjoy in this easy-going collection.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

SPV | SPV 95852

Reviewed by Mat Croft
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