The 50 must-have New Orleans records
Dr. John – "In the Right Place" – Elektra – 1973
Taken from the high period of Dr. John’s recording career, a period in which he recorded “Dr. John’s Gumbo,” “In the Right Place” and “Destively Bonnaroo” in a three-year span, this recording is likely Dr. John’s best commercial success from this period.
Backed by the Meters and produced by Allen Toussaint, this recording, which topped out at #24 on the Billboard charts, has two of his biggest hits, “Right Place Wrong Time” and “Such a Night” – essential songs from the good doctor.
Another terribly tough pick, since Dr. John has such a huge body of work with some many strong recordings, but the music on the album has an amazing number of Dr. John classics and almost appears as a collection of greatest hits of his work.
By this record, Dr. John has moved away from the psychedelic shaman/voodoo act that was ground-breaking with albums like “Gris Gris” and has moved more into the funky, rhythm and blues realm he is more often identified with. The Meters as a backing band add a sharp, tight sound with Dr. John riffing loosely out in front, giving the recording that bluesy, soul-inspired sound that only a New Orleans record can have.
-Michael Luke
Dr. John - "Right Place, Wrong Time"
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