Dr. John & the Lower 911

Universally celebrated as the living embodiment of the rich musical heritage exclusive to New Orleans, Dr. John, or Mac Rebennack as known to friends and family, is bringing his classic, swampy gris-gris to Turner Hall Ballroom.
Rebennack’s New Orleans roots run deep, which is why Dr. John is plenty hopping mad over the trials and tribulations suffered by his hometown in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Unlike many, mostly government officials, John has put his money where his mouth is, performing for several Katrina victim benefit concerts, and even released his own EP,Sippiana Hericane, to benefit New Orleans Musicians Clinic. With City That Care Forgot, John allows his anger over the injustice that is New Orleans to reach the boiling point.
Dr. John’s City That Care Forgot
City That Care Forgot opens with “Keep On Goin’,” a jazz-flavored song with a funky roll and John’s signature piano work. The song’s gentle nature and easy livin’ lyrics disarm the listener before Dr. John and crew get to the meat of the matter with the following tune, “Time For A Change.” Built on a loping, phat R&B groove, and featuring stellar guitarwork courtesy of Eric Clapton, the song’s message is that of individual responsibility, environmental concern, and corporate malfeasance, delivered in no uncertain terms.
If “Time For A Change” sets the stage for the socially-conscious work that follows, John’s lively duet with Willie Nelson, “Promises Promises,” is a real scorcher. Set to an energetic Zydeco rhythm, Nelson and John swap verses damning ignorant politicians and praising the soldiers that give their lives for our freedom. On the flip side, “You Might Be Surprised” is a slow-paced, Neville Brothers-styled R&B ballad with positive lyrics in an almost spiritual vein.

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