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Dr. John
Gris-Gris


5.0
classic

Review

by Badmoon USER (65 Reviews)
February 6th, 2005 | 61 replies


Release Date: 1968 | Tracklist


(Voodoo Blues) Dr. John - Gris-gris

Released: 1968
With his eerie growl, and psychotic song structures, Dr. John, “The Night Tripper” (As he likes to call himself) presented Rock ‘n’ Roll with a sound that had never been thought of. The basic Rock ‘n’ Roll sound mixed with New Orleans R+B, Dixieland and Psychedelia add up to produce his outstanding “Voodoo Blues” that has yet to be duplicated nor matched. Though the Doctor’s music brings up enough odd discussion, his story and intentions are just as different and outrageous.

Dr. John (born Malcolm “Mac” John Rebennack) had been interested in the tales and traditions of his native Louisiana since youth. Stories of voodoo and mysterious swamp legends intrigued him, as they would any child. Like the land’s stories, their music had also been quite original. From Dixieland Jazz to New Orleans piano based R+B, they had strongly separated themselves from the rest of the states musically. Apparently, Mac Rebennack had taken an interest in the music. Being taught piano from his childhood years, he would be in the perfect position to play the chosen genre.

Over time and various research, Mac had designed his Voodoo Blues, but he and his band lacked a persona. Mac wanted a mysterious representative to be associated with his music and band. He had been mesmerized by the 1800 root doctor named John Montaigne, also known as Dr. John. The original Dr. John (Also know as Bayou John) had been arrested for practicing voodoo in the swamps of New Orleans with Pauline Rebennack (possible relation with Mac). Many stories of mystery revolve around the man and his mistress. Well, Mac decided that he was the perfect character to model his band and music after. He only need a front man to act as the late Doctor. Mac soon decided that he wanted New Orleans’ very own vocalist Ronnie Barron to be his Dr. John. Fortunately, Ronnie was unavailable, forcing Mac to act the role out by himself.

“Gris-gris” (Cajun for “Voodoo”) came along at a perfect time. The late 1960’s, where all forms of music were accepted, and rarely turned away. Psychedelia, and Acid Rock were the name of the game, and Mac was in no way ignorant to them. He in fact intended on adding them to his he debut. His addition would be vital, for it affected his sound and album greatly, and would help make it as fantastic as it is to this day.

Through, rapid played mandolins and sly vocals, Mac (Now Dr. John) successfully pulled off a perfect concept album based off of the late Bayou John. He managed to incorporate the eerie personality of a legend and his own persona. Ultimately accomplishing a most definitely lesser seen task.


Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya
A beyond perfect introduction to both Dr. John and the story and myths of Bayou John. The five minute track opens with the sound of badly recorded, yet perfect horn playing. The Doctor enter with complete style and mystique. The man displays Bayou John’s persona right from the first words. “The call me Dr. John, known as the Night Tripper.” starts off the vocals in an awesome manner. Through the slow paced tune, Dr. John tells what he can do for you. He got medicine, procedures, and various mysterious acts he can perform on you. The pounding toms, the textured rhythms, the elegant mandolin, and the blowing horns make this opener fantastic.

Danse Kalinda Ba Doom
Another voodoo like track, but definitely as exciting as it has ever been. “Danse Kalinda Ba Doom” opens up with pounding percussion. Slightly similar to what Santana’s percussionists do, but Dr. John of course adds his own style. Along side the pounding hand drums are very eerie background vocals combined with beautiful flute and mandolin playing. The composition is wonderful and most definitely progressive. Like the previous track and every other song feature, “Danse Kalinda Ba Doom” is perfect and also very primal.

Mama Roux
No, the “Roux” in the title is not a misspelled form of “Rocks”. The song title is not “Mama Rocks”. Though I do not know what “Roux” exactly means, it is irrelevant, for the music is my main interest. The third track opens with a very smooth rhythm, that is perfectly complemented by the Doctor’s nonchalant vocals and his rather odd and diverse lyrical work. Mac’s lyrics actually seem improvised some of the time, but are definitely more than satisfactory. Mac also shows some great leading organ skills without even presenting a solo. Another fantastic display of Mac’s Voodoo music.

Danse Fambeaux
A much more Rock track, but needless to sat Psychedelic. The backing electric guitar gives of the definitive Rock ‘n’ Roll sound, while the eerie background vocals vent Mac’s style perfectly. Over the percussion and mandolin lies Mac’s wonderful voice. Full of mystique and scatted words, he manages to make the music original just with his voice. The other musicians are all fabulous, unfortunately the band section on the booklet gives only silly nicknames of the band members and their instruments. So it is of course difficult to tell who reads what. An outstanding bass/tuba center track.

Croker Courtbullion
“Croker Courtbullion” would actually start off the second side of the record, if this was a record that is. This actually may be the oddest track, instrumental wise. “Croker Courtbullion” is lead perfectly by a very loud buzzing bass, and is supported by various clusters of background vocalists, guitar solos, and chaotic percussion. The music is very spastic by very intriguing and satisfying. The Jazz side of the Doctor (Not as much the Dixieland side, possibly Free Jazz) is shown greatly and performed very nicely. Dr. John’s consistency keeps on going.

Jump Sturdy
A definite highlight among highlights. “Jump Sturdy” was actually a cover brought into “Gris-gris” because Mac’s grandfather use to perform it in various plays he was featured in, and obviously Mac realized it would mean much to him if he added the song to the track list. Plus, “Jump Sturdy” is a fantastic song that perfectly blends Mac’s growling vocals, and the eerie background vocalists. Right from the get go Mac tells the exciting story of “Jump Sturdy”. A powerful rhythm section of thumping bass playing and a banjo performing various trills back the man up very nicely. A beyond perfect track. Very well done.

I Walk on Guilded Splinters
Almost a conclusion to the life of Bayou John, “Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya” and of course a definite conclusion to Gris-gris. The song is very well done, filled with mystique and many of the same attributes that the intro did. Mac once again sings as though he is Bayou John. The lyrics used a fantastic, just like “Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya”. The opening words of “Some people think they jive me, but I know they must be crazy. Don’t see their misfortunes, I guess they must be lazy.” says a lot about Bayou John. Through great style and attitude, at this point in the album you overall understand how both Mac Rebennack and Bayou John are. Outstanding track, ending an absolutely perfect album.

Perfect, just perfect.



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user ratings (126)
4
excellent


Comments:Add a Comment 
Badmoon
February 8th 2005


384 Comments


C'mon, has anyone heard this album. It was even on Rolling Stone Magazines top 500 album list.

SgtOzzy
April 2nd 2006


9 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

One of my all time favorite albums. I've been trying to spread the word of Dr. John's early stuff, but hes still pretty under-rated.

KoraX
September 11th 2006


161 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Ok Im like reaching my 3rd listen of this and still cant figure out what to think about it. It is for sure interesting and not really sounding like anything you've heard before. The overall psyche ethnic feel is pleasant and makes you travel around but i think its too deconstructed to really keep your attention after a while.

Still great quality for psyche lovers.

3.5 for now

VieuxCarre13
July 12th 2007


1 Comments


Ok, first of all for the most part the person who wrote this article ... knew things about New Orleans. But not enough to make it accurate.

Gris Gris does not translate or meanVoodoo. Gris-gris, also spelled grigri, is a Vodoun/Voodoo talisman or amulet that protects the wearer from evil or brings luck. This use of the word Gris-Gris usually describes a small cloth bag worn on the person. Inside is placed a mixture of one or more of the following: herbs, oils, stones, bones, hair, nails, or other personal items.


Roux is actually a base that you start with when you are cooking a lot of creole foods.Roux (pronounced like the English word "rue") is a mixture of wheat flour and fat. It is the basis of three of the mother sauces of classical French cooking: Sauce béchamel, Sauce velouté, and Sauce Espagnole. Butter, vegetable oils, or lard are common fats used. It is used as a base for gravy, other sauces, soufflés, soups and stews.






Tyler
Emeritus
July 12th 2007


7927 Comments


This guy is so badass. I saw him with BB King a few years back and he was strutting around with this giant pimp sceptre.

RFitzpatrick
June 2nd 2010


27 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

This album is a treasure waiting to be discovered by young music lovers. I can't think of anything that sounds like it, and you'd probably have to dig through dark French Quarter bars, 3 in the morning, maybe back in the late 60s, to hear its roots.

eggsvonsatan
March 11th 2011


1087 Comments


Dr. John is being inducted to the R&R hall of fame! More reason to listen to this.

eggsvonsatan
March 11th 2011


1087 Comments


Also, FYI, roux is a thickener made of flour and butter to thicken stews such as gumbo and etoufee.

Skweetis
August 11th 2011


548 Comments


Must check this out.

acorncheese
December 4th 2011


7139 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

this shit is fire. i can say with certainty that this is the most interesting music i've ever listened to.

manosg
Emeritus
December 21st 2012


12710 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Great debut album from the N.O. Blues master.

DominionMM1
December 10th 2014


21283 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

fucking rules

manosg
Emeritus
December 10th 2014


12710 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

hell yeah. Glad to see the love.

DominionMM1
December 10th 2014


21283 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

yeah i had been meaning to check this out for years and finally got around to it

Cygnatti
December 20th 2014


36129 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

I may need this.

DominionMM1
December 20th 2014


21283 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

definitely

DrJohn
March 20th 2015


1041 Comments


Here kiddos, listen to some proper music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tjlyjn1X6GE

zakalwe
March 20th 2015


40210 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

The atmosphere on this thing is unbeatable, it's like sharing a post voodoo ceremony needle with Baron Samdei in a New Orleans back alley during Mardi Gras.

Ryus
March 20th 2015


37886 Comments


kind of reminds me of exuma

DrJohn
March 20th 2015


1041 Comments


"The atmosphere on this thing is unbeatable, it's like sharing a post voodoo ceremony needle with Baron Samdei in a New Orleans back alley during Mardi Gras."

mhm

bloody splits! have another one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWvdO3l4_P8



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