Dr. John - Trippin' Live (1997)

Trippin’ Live captures Dr John in fine form, and is probably one of the finest representations of his inimitable New Orleans piano playing and distinguished musicianship.

Recorded at Ronnie Scott’s in 1996, the intimate feel and Mac’s relaxed good mood, give the recording a late-evening warmth. Backed by a tight band, with a horn section which really brings out the groove of the songs, the Dr plays a strong set-list. Naturally this is drawn largely from his crescent city heritage (this was before his tentative return to his legacy of the ‘Nite Tripper’), kicking off with a lively version of ‘Tipitina’ which gives him plenty of room for rolling the ivories. He also revisits 2 of his big numbers, ‘Right Place, Wrong Time’, and ‘Such a Night’, the latter being the real highlight as he incorporates numerous solos and riffs on the piano. With ‘Wild Honey’ and ‘Renegade’ his playing leads the band down to its funkiest grooves, while ‘My Buddy’ eases into his sentimental side, and he even plays lead guitar (while Jools Holland fills in on the keys) on ‘24 Hours of the Day’. The album is brought to a close with a spirited reading of Leadbelly’s classic ‘Goodnight Irene’.

In my opinion there’s not a weak song on the album; I've listened to it many times. The performances are lively, but overall it is his piano playing which really makes it a treat, and there are many great solos. Although the swampy Nite-Tripper does not appear, Dr John the eclectic New Orleans musician, singer and stylist is very well represented. ~Sleepy Green-Tea