MOG Editorial Review

For Gris Gris, Dr. John managed to defy categorization by fusing New Orleans R&B and psychedelic sounds for rock ‘n’ roll that reaches far beyond the bayou. Born Mac Rebennack, the session pianist molded himself into the larger than life, Mardi Gras-costumed persona of Dr. John for his debut effort Gris-Gris. Although the eclectic appeal of the 1968 release was initially met with less than stellar reviews, it’s proven itself like a spicy gumbo that takes time to digest. Afro-Caribbean drumming, ghostly voices, and tinges of Dixieland all influence the Night Tripper’s voodoo blues. “Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya-Ya,” “I Walk on Gilded Splinters” and “Mama Roux” achieve a combination of spacey effects for a brilliant and strange warping of his hometown’s famous rhythm and blues.