Locked Down by Dr. John

Released April 3, 2012
Rating:  76.00
Genre: New Orleans Blues and R&B

March was amazing for new music.  I picked up 6 killer albums and 4 of my 2012 top 10 (so far) were released in March.  At least in terms of numbers, April was much slower, with only 3 new discs deemed appropriate for the collection.

We start off with, what is likely to be, the oldest performer in this years collection.  Dr. John, born and raised in New Orleans, will be 72 in November this year.  This is Southern R&B and Blues.  The AMG reviewer, Thom Jurek, describes it this album very well: "It melds primal rock, careening R&B, and electric blues in an irresistible, downright nasty brew." Dan Auerbach (of the Black Keys) produced the album, shares writing credits and provides most of the guitar work here.  The album is nearly perfect.  Every song absolutely smokes. To hear great examples, click on the song titles below to hear full streams courtesy of YouTube.com

• Ice Age is reminiscent of his hit, Right Place, Wrong Time
• Getaway has a killer solo by Auerbach.
• My Children, My Angels is early-70's psychedelic.

Dr. John's recording career goes back to the 1950's.  Originally a guitarist, he had to give it up when he received a gunshot wound to his left ring finger (while defending a bandmate).  He tried bass guitar and finally took up the piano.

Dr. John has nearly 30 albums, five Grammies (his first in 1989 and his last in 2008) and only one major hit song (1973's Right Place, Wrong Time.)  He was inducted into the Rock & Roll hall of fame in 2011.