Mac Rebennack took on the mantle of Dr John, the Nightripper on the classic album ‘Gris-Gris‘ released in 1968. It’s fair to say that it set a musical direction for most of the rest of Rebennack’s life. It’s three years since Dr John passed, and his last recordings are soon to be released on a new album ‘Things Happen That Way‘ which will appear on September 23rd. Today we have first taster from it, a re-recording of a standout song from ‘Gris-Gris‘, with this version of the classic ‘Walk On Guilded Splinters‘ also featuring Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real. It’s certainly a very different take on the song, but it’s a take that still boils over with barely restrained threatenings and extravagant boastingfulnesss and all. Lukas Nelson has said of the song: “It’s a great honour to attempt to interpret the work of Dr. John. His music has inspired me since childhood. He was a friend to many, and we all miss him dearly. His music is medicine.”
This final studio album by Dr John reflects his admiration and enjoyment of Country music – ‘Things Happen That Way’ is the album which he began plotting decades ago. In bringing his album’s songs to life, Dr. John drew on a lineup of musicians befitting of a universally beloved luminary. Along with an elite cadre of New Orleans session players, the album’s personnel also include Willie Nelson and Aaron Neville.
