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A lost solo piano record from the Night Tripper! Originally put to tape in '82 & '83 for the Clean Cuts label, these tracks have remained unheard until now - Two numbers feature the doc's raspy growl while his solo piano navigates us through the rest of the train ride, past touches of blues, jazz, and foot stompin' boogie-woogie jive - It's the kind of magic that can only come from a dusty tape box
In 1981, Dr. John began recording his frst of two solo piano albums. The "new" performances featured on this release are of the same quality as the music on Dr. John Plays Mac Rebennack and The Brightest Smile In Town.
His left hand creates a three-note rhythmic pattern that forms the foundation for
the performance while his right soulfully plays the melody and then builds off of it
in the tradition of the New Orleans piano blues masters. In other songs, it begins
as a nostalgic and heartfelt ballad, picking up steam during the performance and
switching moods several times before returning to where it began.
While it is a real shame that he would never again record a full album of unaccompanied solos (Dr. John enjoyed leading a band too much), the release of Frankie & Johnny gives one an additional opportunity to discover just how brilliant and spirited a pianist Mac Rebennack was during his colorful career.
Tracklist
CD Tracks
Frankie & Johnny
Boll Weevil
Gentilly Boulevard
Rebennack Appliance
Hobo Blues
Conundrum
Some Train Goin' Some Way
Public Belt
The Pontchar Train
Conundrum (alternate take)
Boxcar Boogie (alternate take)
LP Tracks
Frankie & Johnny
Boll Weevil
Gentilly Boulevard
Rebennack Appliance
Hobo Blues
Conundrum
Some Train Goin' Some Way
Public Belt
The Pontchar Train