Dr John "Right Place, Right Time" Hyena Records


By Bob Putignano

Recorded on Mardi Gras night AKA: Fat Tuesday in1989, "Right Place, Right Time" is a new Hyena release featuring former New Orleans resident Dr. John live recorded live in concert at Tipitina's in NOLA.. The performances are bouncy, with Mac Rebennack leading his band though tunes like "Junco Partner" and "Let the Good Times Roll," providing listeners with an in-the-room feel for this lively show.

Mac is probably the one of the greatest musicians to hail from the Big Easy. The opening intro- "Ladies and gentleman, Mardi Gras '89 here at Tipitina's, The High Priest, The Night Tripper, Dr. John!" as the band tears into "Junco Partner" The all-star band on this recording consists of Tommy Moran, David Barard, Herman Ernest III, Trazi Williams, the always wonderful Amadee Castanell on sax, and Charlie Miller.

Other highlights include the haunting "I Walk On Guilded Splinters," "Black Widow," "Kinfolks," and "Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying." The two standout tracks are a hot version of "Wang Dang Doodle" and the very appropriate set closer "Such A Night."

"The Rebennack Chronicles" began in 2004 with the Hyena release of "All By Hisself: Live At The Lonestar" recorded in NYC/Greenwich Village, which is Dr. John solo. The series will not end with "Right Place, Right Time" as the first two releases were taken from a collection of over six-hundred live recordings that Dr. John gave to the fabled record producer Joel Dorn who now resides at Hyena Records. Here's to looking forward to more "The Rebennack Chronicles" series!

New Orleans based Offbeat Magazine probably said it best; "it's a crowd-pleasing set...documenting Dr. John having a very good night." I completely agree. "Right Place, Right Time" is highly recommended listening- Enjoy!

Bob Putignano www.SoundsofBlue.com

Bob Putignano
Radio Host WFDU's "Sounds of Blue"
President of the NY Blues and Jazz Society