On Saturday, May 3rd, 2014, a group of esteemed musicians and friends joined together for The Musical Mojo of Dr. John: A Celebration of Mac & His Music, a special concert event taping that honored this musical icon. The star-studded concert took place at New Orleans’ Saenger Theatre, with Dr. John joined by a stunningly diverse assortment of notable guest artists, who perform 22 songs written, recorded and/or popularized by Dr. John during his prolific six-decade career, honoring his large and still-growing musical legacy.
On October 21st, 2016, that incredible performance was made available to the general public in the forms of a two-CD, Blu-ray and DVD package, or a stand-alone two-CD version.
“It was very moving to have all these people paying tribute to me, but I just treated it like it was another show,” Blues Hall of Famer, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and six-time GRAMMY winner Dr. John says of the event. “But I want people to know that I’m still in the game and still have a lot more music in me.”
The performers include Bruce Springsteen, who duets with Dr. John on the 1973 smash, “Right Place Wrong Time”; Jason Isbell, who delivers a heartfelt, “Blow Wind Blow”; John Fogerty, who performs the raucous Crescent City anthem, “New Orleans”; Mavis Staples, who brings gospel fervor to, “Lay My Burden Down”; Widespread Panic, who lend musical muscle to, “Familiar Reality”; and Ryan Bingham, who delivers a haunting, “Back by the River.” Warren Haynes, Tab Benoit, Anders Osborne, Bill Kreutzmann, Shannon McNally, Dave Malone, and, of course, the “Doctor,” himself take their turns on the stage.
Fittingly, The Musical Mojo of Dr. John also features memorable performances by several New Orleans legends, including Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Terence Blanchard, John Boutté, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, George Porter Jr. and Zigaboo Modeliste of the Meters, and Aaron, Charles and Cyril Neville. Bassist Don Was served as the project’s musical director, leading an all-star house band that also included Allman Brothers Band/Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell, renowned NOLA pianist John Gros, Funky Meters guitarist Brian Stoltz and journeyman drummer Kenny Aronoff, as well as Dr. John’s longstanding musical compatriot, trombonist Sarah Morrow.
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Dr. John
