Dr. John - Plays Mac Rebennack (1981/2023) [Hi-Res]

Funky, swampy, and soulful solo piano!

This 1981 album features pieces Dr. John loved and learned because they were favorites, or composed as dedications. All the selections were interpreted through his uniquely expressive New Orleans, barrelhouse, jazz-blues, rock 'n' roll lens. A landmark album for the jazz musician, Mac Rebennack shows his skill not only as a jazz musician, but as a major influence on the genre as a whole.

At age 40, Mac Rebennack had built a unique career as a consummate session musician, arranger, band leader, composer, and producer, long before he had donned the Dr. John persona. His new LP, Dr. John Plays Mac Rebennack was intended to bring Mac’s extraordinary genius as a pianist to the public’s attention.

As is so often the case, a series of serendipitous moments led to Mac’s performance that night. And though he would not speak to journalists about his two solo piano records for many years, for reasons explained here later, most everyone in the music community considers these LPs to be among Mac’s finest works.