Dr. John – 鈥楲ocked Down’
With the release of “Locked Down,” one could truly say that the Doctor is in and serving up the remedy for what ails you. Dr. John follows up 2010’s passionate “Tribal” with a retro-sounding assortment of blues, funk, R&B and Cajun-flavored boogie that proves the New Orleans legend is still at the top of his game.
After having the pleasure of seeing Dr. John perform with the Lower 911 in New Orleans with my daughter during the Voodoo Music Experience last fall, I was anxiously awaiting the release of some new Dr. John material.
At the show, Dr. John and his band sizzled as a variety of special guests featuring Cyril Neville, Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the “Soul Queen of New Orleans” Irma Thomas assisted the keyboard great with a set of vintage voodoo classics that had the crowd screaming for more.
Originating as an onstage collaboration at last year’s Bonnaroo Festival, Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys extended his musical partnership with Dr. John inside the studio. Auerbach lends his talents to the new material, bringing out a raw, primal feel to the organic melodies from songs like “Revolution,” “Eleggua,” “Ice age” and the gritty title track.
Dr. John’s 29th studio album serves as a colorful melting pot of styles reflecting the artist’s true character.
“Ain’t no one ever gonna be like me,” sings the doctor on “Big Shot” as truer words could not be spoken.
The 71-year-old icon from the Third Ward delivers up another first- rate dish of Crescent City cuisine that is sure to satisfy.