Dr. John, aka the Night Tripper. Or Mac Rebennack as his real name is. Gris-Gris was his debut album, a boiling keettle of psychedelic voodo blues, music that awakens the sleeping swamp spirits and attracts the undead from their hiding places.
Dr. John lived in New Orleans and was a sought after studio musician and producer. Trouble with drugs and the police (he had been a drug dealer, had run a brothel and spent a few years in prison) made him escape to Los Angeles. There, he joined a group of other musicians in exile from New Orleans, and managed to get by on occasional gigs.
Before starting the recording of Gris-Gris, it was thought that another New Orleans singer would take the the role of Dr. John, but in the end Mac Rebennack himself had to shoulder the responsibility, and maybe that was for the best, he has remained in this character until today. The inspiration for the character was Dr. John Montaine, an African magician Mac felt a spiritual closeness to. And perhaps we also should thank Sonny & Cher for Gris-Gris, it was leftover studio time from them which Dr. John could use.
The music then? Gris-Gris is not a record to be played a beautiful summer's day, when the sun is shining, the birds are singing and happy children play outside in freedom. But when darkness has fallen, humidity approaches 90%, the thunder rumbles somewhere nearby and everything, including yourself, feels hot and sweaty. Then it's time for Gris-Gris. It's psychedelic blues with a voodo ingredient, which at least I appreciate. Dr. John's growly voice is complimented by female choirs that contributes to the mystique. Suddenly you are in the deep South, where noone hears you scream.
When the album was released, it wasn't received with a lot of interest. But as the years have passed, the record has grown in esteem and is now hailed by many as a masterpiece. The spells have worked. On me too, because I like the album. Another one of my naive project of finding a used copy in the Montreal stores, of an older date. Impossible. In the end I had to get a reissue from Amazon. The album is played at your own risk. Who knows what's going to knock on the door.
Tracklist
Side A
1. Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya 5:36
2. Danse Kalinda Ba Doom 3:39
3. Mama Roux 2:59
4. Performing Fambeaux 4:56
Side B
1. Croker Courtbullion 6:00
2. Jump Sturdy 2:20
3. Walk on Guilded Splinters 7:37
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