Tuesday Tribute: Dr. John

New Orleans music is one based on deep rooted tradition. Having played a huge part in the spread and popularity of jazz, funk, and zydeco music, New Orleans is one of the music capitals of the world. One of the biggest names and most venerated musicians from the bayou is Mac Rebennack, better known as Dr. John. One of the most recognizable voices in modern music, Dr. John has had an eventful solo career and has been a part of many successful collaborations. Dr. John's 1968 debut album, Gris Gris, is considered one of the all-time greats and sounded very original in an era when psychedelic rock and guitar-gods ruled the airwaves. Sparked by the popularity of the single "Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya," the album was heavily influenced by Creole culture and proved that Dr. John was an experimental composer from the get-go. Although he was rarely in the forefront of American music, he once again achieved notoriety in the 1970's for his work covering popular New Orleans standards such as "Iko Iko" and for funkier, horn-driven originals such as "Right Place Wrong Time." Dr. John gained the respect of many artists in the music world such as The Meters, Allen Toussaint, and The Band, who featured Dr. John in their famous final show, The Last Waltz. Another person whom Dr. John had an influence on was Jim Henson, who fashioned his character Dr. Teeth after Dr. John. Dr. John has continued to record and perform to the present day. Much of his recent work has benefited the victims of Hurricane Katrina and helped to rebuild New Orleans both physically and in character. Dr. John is an incredible musician and personality who embodies the New Orleans spirit, so this week, we send a tribute out to him.

The first video this week is of the Doctor playing "Such a Night." This is the same tune that he plays with the band on The Last Waltz, but this version features some help from Jools Holland and his horn section as well as Eric Clapton. You get a good sense of just how respected he is when Clapton doesn't even step out for a solo.



The next video is pure gold. Etta James sits in with Dr. John for a version of her tune "I'd Rather Go Blind (Blind Girl)." Etta absolutely rips it up on this one and Dr. John doesn't do a bad job making it a duet either.



Here's one of Dr. John doing "Iko Iko" with an impressive line-up that includes Ringo Starr, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, and Clarence Clemons. Dr. John is sporting some nice Mardi Gras apparel for this tune.



Last up is Dr. John pairing up with Johnny Winter for a take of "Talk To Your Daughter." Both of them step out for solos and they also give a little time for the blues harp player to lay down some licks.



drjohn.org

Tuesday Tribute: Steve Winwood

Steve Winwood could possibly be Rock n Roll's greatest legend that not enough people know a lot about. Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, and Blind Faith are just a few of the collectives that Winwood has masterminded as he has gradually earned the utmost respect in the music business. When Winwood was only 15, he entered the music business playing the Hammond B3 and blowing people away with his spectacular voice as the lead singer for the Spencer Davis Group. Hits such as "Gimme Some Loving" and "I'm a Man" got his name on the map early before he left the group to be a founding member of the groundbreaking group Traffic. Traffic is seen by many to be rock's first jam-band because of Winwood's ability to lock in a groove with Jim Capaldi, Dave Mason, and Chris Wood while leaving ample room for improvisation. Winwood also stretched out his repertoire to the guitar, which can be heard on such Traffic hits as "Dear Mr. Fantasy." Around this time, Winwood met up with guitar-master Eric Clapton and the two formed supergroup Blind Faith along with Ginger Baker and Ric Grech. The project was short-lived, but their self-titled album is still considered a classic. One of Winwood's best qualities is his ability to "get with the times." Once Traffic split up, Winwood had a successful solo career throughout the 80's with hits that included "Higher Love," "Valerie," and "Back in the High Life Again." Winwood continues to release albums quite proficiently and has toured throughout the current decade. Winwood was included in Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2007 and he is currently touring with Clapton all around the world. Steve Winwood may never receive the individual attention he deserves, but behind the godly praise that guys like Clapton, Hendrix, and Jimmy Paige receive, Winwood is a Rock God in his own right. This Tuesday, who honor Steve Winwood's greatness.

The first video this week is from way back in 1967 when Winwood was still tickling the ivories for the Spencer Davis Group. Winwood's vocals in this clip are absolutely mind-blowing; it's no wonder this song is such a classic. If I could recommend an album, the Traffic album "Live at the Canteen" features great takes of this tune as well as "Medicated Goo," "Dear Mr. Fantasy," and others.



Next up is a nice live take of Traffic doing "Light Up or Leave Me Alone." Jim Capaldi sings this one, but Winwood steps up on the axe for a few solos. The whole band looks like they might have "lit up" before this tune.



80's Winwood was perhaps most famous for the upbeat "Higher Love." But another great tune, while totally soaked up in 80's cheesieness, is "Back in the High Life Again." Here's the official music video for the song.



While a bit shaky on the video quality, the final video shows Winwood being joined by Eric Clapton on stage for "Dear Mr. Fantasy" in 2009. The two clearly show-off their unfathomable chops, but check out Clapton's drummer, Abe Laborial Jr., tear up the kit as well.



stevewinwood.com