The good doctor may not be quite the eccentric character he was back in his hoodoo days, but for this first official live release, recorded over a week in London in 1996, he tackles his beloved Crescent City musical stylings with genuine flair. Workings of
Professor Longhair and
Leadbelly tunes nearly surpass the set's obvious highlights, the all-time fan favorites "Such a Night" and "Right Place, Wrong Time." An excellent band helps give each number a tight, true read, but the musicians might also be accused of playing it just a bit too rigidly at times. A few changes and passages intended to sound spontaneous sound over-rehearsed. But that's a minor complaint that won't keep die-hard fans from enjoying this set. The booklet insert includes
Dr. John's personal take on each of his set list's songs. ~ Brian Beatty