Qualified.
Death comes to us all. Yet, for some reason, one that is probably part denial and many parts voodoo, I did not think Dr. John would ever die. I know there are many out there who feel the same.
I hope that those who are reading will do a bit more than relegate the life of Mac Rebennack to one of novelty and one or two hit wonder. This man's contribution to all we love about music is impossible to bottle up and quantify. But, I guarantee, if you're listening to it and loving it, there is some Dr. John gris-gris making it just a little bit more right.
"Your social life ain't no better than my hot dog stand
Your edu-ma-cation ain't no hipper than what you understand
Your woman that you got she ain't no hipper than a hot loving band"
Your edu-ma-cation ain't no hipper than what you understand
Your woman that you got she ain't no hipper than a hot loving band"
Qualified.
10 comments:
Man. We lost Leah Chase less than a week ago. Its been a tough time for NO culture. RIP, Mac. He was not in good health for the past couple of years. Not unexpected, but still hits home. Last time I saw him, was at the second line for Fats Domino. He was in a car at the front of the procession, and rode over to Fats' old house in the lower 9th Ward section of NO. He actually looked good that day, and we got the feeling that maybe with a little more rnr, Mac could get back to performing. The cosmos had other plans.
FYI - Go to wwoz.org. They will be playing Mac's music for quite awhile as a memorial to the man.
Walk on Gilded Splinters and (especially) Gumbo changed my musical life significantly. I still have the vinyl with the gatefold sleeve. Impressive. That album led me down several wonderful rabbit holes. I remember seeing him at Glastonbury festival (UK) just a trio. Excellent and very spooky.
Damn. So glad I got a chance to see him a few years ago. He and the band were fonky, even in a suburban NJ venue. RIP
I am not good at tributes. After 40 plus years, I still pull off the shelf around 5 or 6 DR. John records that give me great pleasure. 'Nuff said. joe
A few years ago my nephew calls from Bonnaroo, says he is seeing a guy called Dr. John and had I heard of him. Turns out Peter was seeing the full Gris-Gris revival. Lucky young man.
But that’s how it goes around, right?
I feel so fortunate to have been at the right place and the right time to have Dr. John in my musical life. On va se revoir plus tard.
what a giant. seriously
Small silver lining: Mac recorded another album and its completed. Should be out shortly. Countryish - but in the style of Ray Charles' country/soul.
Saw the good Doctor 5 times. Each one a great and different experience. Back in the days of smoking (cigs) in NYC we sat at our table, the lights dimmed and a glow came over the room. The sweet smell permeated the room and we were off on a DJ trip.
I sat next to him in NOLA one time at Chicke Wah Wah and just listened to him hold court.
Sad to lose him, but I ( we) all still have that music.It is playin' all weekend long at my place.
Post a Comment