Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1966-1974
Omnivore, 2024
9/10
Listen to Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1966-1974
Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr., i.e. Dr. John, has made quite an impact from the late ‘60s until today with his mashing of New Orleans R&B, blues, jazz, funk, and rock, and here we’re treated to 26 A and B sides from 1968-1974.
The gritty title track starts the listen with light drumming filtered between the inimitable delivery, and further on the funk fueled “Jump Sturdy” is quite playful and rhythmic in away that only Dr. John can deliver.
Landing closer to the middle, the meticulous guitar of “Wang Dang Doodle” emits a bluesy mood that’s quite infectious, while “Stack-A-Lee” is a piano fueled and raw moment of rugged beauty that’s as timeless as it is memorable.
Closer to the end, the well timed brass of “Traveling Mood” is full of southern spirit that carries a vintage rock’n’roll flavor, and “Me-You = Loneliness” exits with a soulfulness that recruits background vocals and gentle singing from Dr. John for the touching finish.
An assembly of sublime musical medicine, this is available as a 2-LP on double opaque purple vinyl for Record Store Day or a CD, and the liner notes from Gene Sculatti give even more insight into the brilliance of this icon.
Travels well with: Blood, Sweat & Tears- What The Hell Happened To Blood, Sweat & Tears?- Original Soundtrack; The Staple Singers- Africa 80