Mardi Gras met St. Paddy’s Day as Dr. John, along with special guest Allen Toussaint, brought his special blend of New Orleans voodoo magic to New York’s venerable Town Hall for one night only.

Yes, you knew everything was “gonna be funky (from then on)” as the 75-years-young Allen Toussaint took the stage. Man oh man, he looked great and sounded even better as Toussaint played to the rapt crowd with a medley of his greatest songs. Alone on the grand piano, he pounded out one New Orleans classic after another: “Java,” “Mother-in-Law,” “Fortune Teller,” “Working in the Coal Mine,” “Big Chief,” the aforementioned “Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky (From Now On)” and his signature tune, “Southern Nights.” 

Who but the venerable Toussaint could connect the historical lineage of such New Orleanians as Al Hirt, Ernie K-Doe, Lee Dorsey, the Meters and Professor Longhair so seamlessly? Dr. John, you say? Well then you’re right. The good doctor hit the stage with his crack five-piece ensemble (aptly named the Night Trippers), pounding the electric piano and firing up “Iko Iko” to get the musical gumbo cookin’. 

– Paul Aaronson

To read more of  Paul’s thoughts on Dr. John, along with reviews of shows by Wanda Jackson, Brandi Carlisle, Kathy Mattea, and Michael Des Barres, check out Elmore Magazine #56, coming to newsstands and Elmoremagazine.com soon!