Dr. John – The Sun, Moon & Herbs (Speakers Corner)

Originally conceived as a triple album, "The Sun, Moon & Herbs" was disassembled, steamed and reassembled into this single LP, and while Dr. John never much liked this version, it is certainly a testament to the 'less is more' theory. The seven tracks all have no radio compatible length and the spells Dr. John and his companions weave are dark and swampy. "Black John The Conqueror" comes from the old Cajun folklore, which the good Dr. modernized and added a beat.

The swampy "Craney Crow" is the younger sibling of his former "Walk On Guilded Splinter" and has a similar effect on the listener. "Pots On Fiyo (Fils Gumbo)" combines Latin American rhythms with plenty of Cajun singing and magic spells. The vocals are almost incomprehensible and actually serve as another instrument in the mix.

"Zu Zu Mamou" is so compact that you could almost cut the music with a knife, here the atmosphere gets a completely different meaning. "The Sun, Moon & Herbs" is best listened to on a hot, stuffy night, when the thunder rumbles in the distance like a jungle drum. Dr. John definitely had an agenda here, but which one exactly is up to the listener.

This Speakers Corner production was made using analog master tape and mastering 100% pure analog All licenses and GEMA contributions were paid. Recorded: July - October 1970 at Trident Studios, London, by Roy Baker and Dimension Recorders, Hollywood (USA), by Judd Philips Production: Dr. John & Charles Greene

"»... here came swampy steaming, atmospheric dense masterpiece. The Guests, who are not afraid of the monster of crumbs Singers and handy pianists, commands respect. (...) Speakers Corner has a first-class reissue with original supplement ...manufactured." (Good Times, June / July 2020)

"The opener 'Black John The Conqueror' and the husky 'Chaney Crow' alone are worth the purchase. Now in the superb, dynamic reissue of Speakers Corner." (Audio, July 2020)