Name: The Sun, Moon and Herbs
Brand: Dr John

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

SD33362

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "SD33362"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

180 Gram Vinyl.

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "180 Gram Vinyl."}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2021-05-28

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

F Minor

Tax rate GB

UPC / Barcode

4260019716002

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "4260019716002"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Total Cap

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

MOVLP1781

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "MOVLP1781"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

MOV Pressing

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "MOV Pressing"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

2022-07-29

Little Amber Fish

Standard:20

8719262002623

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "8719262002623"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Artist

Dr John

Genre GB

Blues / Gospel

Label GB

Malcolm John Rebennack, better known as Dr. John, was an American singer and songwriter born on November 20, 1941 in New Orleans, Louisiana. His music blended blues, pop, jazz, boogie woogie and rock and roll.

From a young age, Dr. John was influenced by the legendary Roy Byrd (aka Professor Longhair) and immersed himself in the vibrant music and voodoo cultures of New Orleans. He gained recognition as Mac Rebennack while playing the organ in strip-clubs with various bands in the French Quarter.

In 1957, Dr. John got his first break as a session guitarist with Ace Records under John Vincent. He worked alongside notable musicians at Cosimo V. Matassa's studio and collaborated with Harold Battiste's 'All For One' co-operative to produce several singles.

In 1962, Dr. John moved to California where he played on Sam Cooke's final recording session before embarking on extensive session work around LA. With Battiste's help, he developed his persona as "Dr. John Creaux, The Night Tripper" while working on Sonny & Cher's sessions for their album "Gris-Gris".

Dr. John's distinctive style caught attention upon the release of his album "Gris-Gris" in 1968 which allowed him to explore various aspects of Louisiana blues and

The Sun, Moon and Herbs was originally conceived as a triple album, but it was fragmented, stripped down and put together again to form the present single-disc LP. And although Dr. John never liked this version much, it is proof of the theory 'less is more'. None of the seven tracks are suitable for broadcasting on the radio and the spells that Dr. John and his companions weave are dark and swampy.

"Black John The Conqueror" has its origins in ancient Cajun folklore, which the good Dr. modernised and gave a beat. The swampy "Craney Crow" is the younger sibling of his earlier "Walk On Guilded Splinters" and has a similar effect on the listener. "Pots On Fiyo (Filé Gumbo)" combines Latin-American rhythms with a wealth of Cajun chants and spells. The vocals are almost unfathomable and serve rather more as an additional musical instrument in the mix. "Zu Zu Zu Mamou" is so tightly knitted that one can almost cut through the music with a knife; the mood here takes on a quite different meaning. "The Sun, Moon &amp; Herbs" is best heard on a hot sultry night where thunder rolls in the distance like jungle drums. 

Dr. John certainly had something specific in mind, but it is up to the listener to find out just what it was.

The Sun, Moon and Herbs

Music GB

Buy Dr. John - The Sun, Moon and Herbs (Vinyl, CD) now from Rough Trade - independent purveyors of great music, since 1976.