Two New Album Reviews in July OffBeat Magazine
Dr. John solo and The Rare Sounds featuring Eddie Roberts
Dr. John- Frankie & Johnny
The discography of Mac Rebennack, better known as the inimitable, inscrutable piano and vocal icon Dr. John, is as mixed up as his life was reported to be, especially during his long period of addiction. On the heels of a press release from his estate highlighting the release of four albums since his death five years ago, comes a new collection, Frankie & Johnny.
This album features nine previously unissued songs from the 1981-1982 period during which two solo albums, The Brightest Smile in Town and Dr. John Plays Mac Rebennack, were released on the tiny Clean Cuts label. It also includes two alternative takes, which curiously are not listed on the album cover or mentioned in the liner notes. The previously released version of one of those songs, “Boxcar Boogie,” appeared on The Brightest Smile in Town.
The album opens with the title cut and Rebennack immediately gets down to business. His telltale rollicking sound jumps out of the speakers on an instrumental version of the turn-of-the-last-century murder ballad. Most of the other cuts on the album are also solo piano instrumentals.
Of the songs with words, “Hobo Blues” stands out for its wistful lyrics and emotive vocalizing. “I’m a 1000 miles away from home, sleeping in the rain/ I’m a 1000 miles away from home, waiting for a train/ Nobody seems to want me or give me a helping hand/ I never hope to roam again if I ever get home again.” But at two minutes and 45 seconds, the tune is the shortest on the album.
“Conundrum” is among the strongest instrumentals. Dr. John’s bouncy left hand gets a hypnotic groove going, while his right dances over the keys, deftly adding some characteristic single notes. The bridge keeps the groove going, adding a stop-time to great effect.
This release is a welcome addition to the official solo piano discography of Dr. John. Though the liner notes and the estate only acknowledge the previously mentioned solo albums, I have another in my collection, recorded live in New York in 1986. More releases are sure to come, hopefully with the imprimatur of the family given how widespread unauthorized bootlegs were during his lifetime.
The Rare Sounds- Introducing the Rare Sounds
The association between guitarist Eddie Roberts of the New Mastersounds and members of the Greyboy Allstars goes back to before his groundbreaking, Meters-inspired band even existed. But listening to their debut recording, The Rare Sounds, which features keyboardist Robert Walter, bassist Chris Stillwell and drummer Zak Najor, it’s clear the four musicians were meant to play and record together as a distinct unit.
The seminal moment that led to this collaboration came in 1996 when the Greyboys made their first trip across the pond. Roberts’ organ trio, the Three Deuces, was the opening act. Kindred souls revealed, the musicians went their separate ways only to begin working together in various configurations over the years.
So, the new record harkens back to those early days. Walter’s organ percolates over the steady grooves of the rhythm section, while Roberts’ guitar pulses with his trademark clean tone and visceral lines. The production by Roberts harkens even further back to the classic soul jazz era in the 1960s.
“Pyg,” a standout track, which clocks in at just over seven minutes, is a case in point. Stillwell’s bass carves out a funky bed with Najor working overtime on his cymbals and snare, while the guitar, with just enough reverb to make it gritty, lays down an indisputably catchy melody. Walter takes a celestial solo with light, airy notes in the middle of the tune.
“Through Being Cool” kicks off with a snare roll before the walking groove of the bass line sets the mood. The tune ebbs and flows, rises and falls in tempo; Roberts adds some distorted notes. Despite the title, it’s totally cool.
The Rare Sounds have made a record that keeps you coming back with its timeless sound. Released only on vinyl and streaming, the album will fit perfectly into your collection of instrumental, guitar-driven funky soul music.