Consumer Guide Album

Dr. John: Dr. John's Gumbo [Atco, 1972]
Given Mac Rebennack's limitations as a songwriter, this selection of tunes that made Bourbon Street jump in the '50s is an ideal showcase for his studio-expert piano and sly, whining, raceless vocal affectations. It has its antiquarian aspect, but if Huey Smith or Allen Toussaint captures more of the spirit of New Orleans they don't do it on any album you can buy in a store. I mean, where else can you hear "Iko Iko," "Blow Wind Blow," "Big Chief," "Mess Around," and "Let the Good Times Roll" without pushing reject? A−