Musically speaking, there are few events as highly anticipated as the venerable Dr. John, performing "live" in New Orleans. Perhaps the greatest living musician from the Crescent City, the Doctor's hometown appearances always prove to be full-scale celebrations of New Orleans culture and people. Add Mardi Gras night at Tipitina's into the mix and the stage is set for that intangible X-factor to enter the musical equation. Proof of that resounds on, Right Place, Right Time: Live At Tipitina's Mardi Gras '89, capturing the one and only New Orleans Night Tripper, Dr. John, on Mardi Gras night 1989 at the hallowed Big Easy music venue, Tipitina's.
Opening to the introduction: "Ladies and gentleman, Mardi Gras '89 here at Tipitina's, The High Priest, The Night Tripper, Dr. John!" The good Doctor blasts into the "jailbird beat" of "Junco Partner." It's a full-tilt boogie based on Dr. John's "steady comin' at ya" piano. Joined by an all-star NoLa band, including Tommy Moran, David Barard, Herman Ernest III, Trazi Williams, Amadee Castanell and Charlie Miller, they follow with "Renegade." The version is highlighted by a fiery Dr. John sermon. It's vintage Night Tripper.
Mardi Gras wouldn't be complete without voodoo. "I Walk On Guilded Splinters" sees to that. The audience's elation is audible. As the evening proceeds, Dr. John keeps the music coming with stand-out numbers like "Black Widow," "Kinfolks," "Let The Good Times Roll," and "Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying." Tipitina's hits the stratosphere as Dr. John delivers rave-up renditions of the show stoppers, "Wang Dang Doodle" and "Such A Night." As the music fades, it's hard not to think of New Orleans in better days, but like a well-timed postcard from the past, Right Place, Right Time keeps the spirit of the magical city alive and well.
