Frankie & Johnny

Album review

Good ol’ Dr. John passed away in 2019, after over half a century of loyal service to the jazz and blues that is firmly rooted in the music culture of New Orleans. Yet his musical concoctions know no expiration date, be it the classics or the posthumous ones, like this latest release Frankie & Johnny, which dates back to the early ‘80s. Having been stored away for 40 years, these recordings document the sessions that led to the solo albums Dr. John Plays Mac Rebennack and The Brightest Smile in Town. So it’s more of a solo piano vibe, with Dr. John’s raspy singing on a select few songs. Don’t forget: the young Dr. John started off as a guitarist. A bullet shot into his left ring finger ended his guitar playing career and reoriented him toward the piano, which he went on to master, influenced early on by the legendary but unfortunately little known Professor Longhair.

Over the course of Frankie & Johnny’s 11 tracks, we hear each and every facet of the pianist’s skills. His fingers dance across the keyboard with equal parts nonchalance, precision, and elegance. The boogie takes its time, the jazz goes back to being music for whistling in the shower, and the technique sustains the sunny songs that are part of New Orleans’ cultural heritage. When Dr. John does scales, the temperature goes up a good ten degrees and the sweet smell of magnolias in bloom fills the air. Like the two albums mentioned above, this one is yet another masterclass in piano playing, straight from New Orleans, with only a slight 40-year delay. © Charlotte Saintoin/Qobuz