Big Mac

July 18, 2014 10:48 PM

Before the world knew him as Dr. John, Mr. Mac Rebennack was, as a very young man, already cooking up some utterly groovy, rollicking, jazzy and soulful R&B instrumentals that could've only come from New Orleans. One particularly delightful one was The Point, and another was Feedbag. Just let 'em hit ya, man, you're gonna love it.
posted by flapjax at midnite (13 comments total)

Great stuff. There are a few comps of his early recordings floating around out there. I like how Allmusic tags the mood as "greasy".
posted by p3t3 at 11:45 PM on July 18, 2014 [1 favorite]

These are excellent!
posted by MexicanYenta at 5:26 AM on July 19, 2014

Very good stuff indeed.
posted by doctornemo at 5:35 AM on July 19, 2014

Never heard these before. Thanks!
posted by misozaki at 6:00 AM on July 19, 2014

From the I Love Music thread:

Second the recommendation of the autobiography. One of the most entertaining showbiz bios I've read. I did a phone interview with him once, he was great. I could have listened to that voice all day. When I called him, he picked up and just said, no hello or anything, "Dahgduh Jaahn."

posted by kersplunk at 6:09 AM on July 19, 2014 [1 favorite]

Thanks once again, flapjax. In my mind, I've just spent the last hour sitting in Tipitina's blissing out with Dr. John and Professor Longhair. A GREAT way to start a Saturday.
posted by Benny Andajetz at 6:24 AM on July 19, 2014 [1 favorite]

Hopefully getting to see him next week at the Pittsburgh Blues Fest. I've seen him three times before over the last thirty years and he always does a good show.
posted by octothorpe at 7:04 AM on July 19, 2014 [1 favorite]

Ten seconds into The Point and I'm bopping around in my chair like a Muppet. Love it.
posted by cmyk at 7:07 AM on July 19, 2014

Dude's been around. I saw Dr. John in the early 80's and as he hobbled up to the stage in the small club, I thought: Jeez, I might not get to see him again. Well, he's still at it. Saw him last year with Mavis Staples.

I always wondered what got into him to veer into - and then out of - that gris-gris night-tripper phase. I still love that catchy eerie album. I suppose he was possessed.
posted by kozad at 8:23 AM on July 19, 2014 [1 favorite]

I always wondered what got into him to veer into - and then out of - that gris-gris night-tripper phase.

It was perfect for the times! The deep NOLA tradition of black magic, hoodoo and such was a natural for mixing up with the psychedelic aesthetic of the period.

I wish he'd mined that vein longer. It was pretty cool.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 8:31 AM on July 19, 2014 [1 favorite]

Lovely! I'll always particularly cherish his rockin' early single from when he was the frontman for Ronnie & The Delinquents.
posted by ThatFuzzyBastard at 8:42 AM on July 19, 2014

Great hearing Dr. John on ORGAN. That was news to me. Great find, flapjax. You've done it again!
posted by Seekerofsplendor at 12:08 PM on July 19, 2014

Sweet!
posted by cleroy at 7:04 PM on July 19, 2014