Dr. John Plays Mac Rebennack: The Legendary Sessions, Vol. 1

AMG Review of Dr. John Plays Mac Rebennack: The Legendary Sessions, Vol. 1

Thom Owens
All Music Guide

Dr. John was always respected as a consummate pianist, but he didn't make a solo, unaccompanied piano record until 1981's Dr. John Plays Mac Rebennack. The wait was well worth it. His music had always been impressive, but this is the first time that his playing had been put on full display, and it reveals that there's even more depth and intricacies to his style than previously expected. More importantly, the music simply sounds good and gritty, as he turns out a set of New Orleans R&B (comprised of both originals and classics) that is funky, swampy, and real. [The 2002 reissue adds four songs that weren't included on the original CD release: "Careless Love," "Deep Blues," "Ti-Na-Na," and "Dorothy (Take 2)."]