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Another hero of mine gone. I first saw him in the film of the Last Waltz with The Band, but managed to see him live in the year 2000.
A true great. Oscar Peterson wrote a tune named after him "Blues for Dr John". If he moved Oscar Peterson to write something for him then you know he was a seriously good musician.
I've know doubt there are still some great New Orleans Piano players out there. But in the last few years we've lost Allen Toussaint, Henry Butler, Fats Domino and now Dr John. Still the jamming in Piano Heaven will be even greater now.
Cheers
Simon
Simon
Casio PX-S3000 Korg SV2S (73)
ABRSM Grade 7 distinction 2023. Decent blues/rock Pianist. Try to play Jazz Piano, but pretty rubbish. Studying ABRSM grade 8 now.
Just loved him. Have a bunch of his CDs. Saw him I don't know how many times. "Gumbo" may be his overall best, but I used to have a solo record I loved a lot. Think it may have been "The Brightest Smile in Town", but might've been "Dr. John Plays Mac Rebennack".
"Dr John Plays Mac Rebennack" is probably my favourite album. The original version (there is a re-issued version with extra tracks) was all solo Piano except for one track with a vocal. A great mix of New Orleans Piano styles, some of which are really tough to play. Well it is for mere mortals like myself anyway. Especially as he used 10ths quite a lot, which you can see in Indigo Dave's clip.
Cheers
Simon
Simon
Casio PX-S3000 Korg SV2S (73)
ABRSM Grade 7 distinction 2023. Decent blues/rock Pianist. Try to play Jazz Piano, but pretty rubbish. Studying ABRSM grade 8 now.
"Qualified", from this same Homespun (Happy Traum) Records release, is one of my favorite rhythm sections - notwithstanding (or because) its solo piano. Can't find on YouTube, I'm afraid.
I was born in NOLA, but when I die I don't expect my send-off to be quite like his:
My understanding is that the first line, or main line, has the parade permit and the casket, and plays mournful dirges on the way to the cemetery and celebratory music on the way back, because the deceased is now in glory. The second line is the funeral parade without the casket, but they don’t seem to play mournful music for the deceased, for the most part.
Was there a first line for Dr. John?
I love Randy Newman’s album, Land of Dreams, which is about the short time he lived in New Orleans. I’ve always had a wonderful time when I visited New Orleans.
The actual funeral hasn't occurred yet, so this wasn't a true second-line. Here's Allen Toussaint's second line from 2015, beginning with the mourners leaving the funeral to a slow dirge while the casket is loaded into the hearse, then parading down the street. Celebrants include Trombone Shorty and Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
The actual funeral hasn't occurred yet, so this wasn't a true second-line. Here's Allen Toussaint's second line from 2015, beginning with the mourners leaving the funeral to a slow dirge while the casket is loaded into the hearse, then parading down the street. Celebrants include Trombone Shorty and Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
Thanks for posting that video, it does touch my heart. None of us are here long. I loved Allen Toussaint and heard him play. I also heard Trombone Shorty in a little bar in New Orleans.
