Live at the Village Gate by Dr John

 

 

Live at the Village Gate by Dr John

I own quite a few Dr John live recordings, and while my favourite are the earlier ones (especially the stellar Lost Broadcast), I have to say that this recently unearthed 1988 concert is a really good addition to the collection. Sure, the music is more lush and brassy than in the previous decade, but there's still a lot of grit and that's how I like it. The material here goes back all the way to Gris Gris but focuses primarily on late 70s releases like Bluesiana Triangle, Desitively Bonnaroo and Tango Palace. In addition, the good doctor and his band revisit some New Orleans staples like Let the Good Times Roll and Mardi Gras Day. It's a mostly joyous romp, not as electric as The Lost Broadcast and not as moody as Hollywood be thy Name but definitely upbeat and worth a listen or three.