DR. JOHN

Locked Down

[Nonesuch Records]

Few could blame Dr. John (aka Mac Rebennack) if he opted to coast on his towering reputation in New Orleans music. But this new album proves he has no such intentions. Spearheaded by the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach—who produced and co-wrote the material—Locked Down sounds like a 21st century version of the R&B gumbo Dr. John served up at the turn of the ’70s. The opening title track sets the tone. Slinky, soulful and spiced with jazz-pop vibes, the tune stakes out ground somewhere between Sly Stone, Amy Winehouse and the Zombies. “Kingdom of Izzness” frames Dr. John’s trademark drawl in an irresistible funk groove, while “God’s Sure Good,” a sunshiny slice of gospel R&B, closes the album on an upbeat note. Auerbach steers Dr. John away from piano and toward the Farfisa organ, emphasizing the renewed sense of musical adventure. –Russell Hall

comment closed

Copyright © 2012 M Music & Musicians Magazine ·