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One New Orleans legend salutes another here as Dr. John bounces his way into the Louis Armstrong catalog, bringing with him the funk, R&B, and soul for Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch. From the first song you notice this isn’t going to be your normal tribute album. Tackling the most well known Armstrong offering “What A Wonderful World” first is a smart move; the original is a masterpiece of sound so instead of playing it straight the good doctor gets funky after the Blind Boys of Alabama intro. And while it isn’t a great cover, it instantly clues the listener into the style and abandon that they are in for as the album progresses.
Notice the title isn’t the “songs” of Satchmo, it is the “spirit” and that is an important distinction as the vibe is kept alive but allows the songs to regenerate. Guests are on every track as Dr. John aka Malcolm John “Mac” Rebennack worked with a variety of musicians to give the album that modern feel.
His take on “Mack The Knife” is a dynamite effort turning the song into straight blaxploitation soundtrack with Terrence Blanchard’s trumpet blaring and Michael Ladd rhyming. “World On A String” shows off a sexy swinging duet with Bonnie Raitt, while “Sweet Hunk O’Trash” continues that playful mixing of the sexes as John bows to Shemekia Copeland and she steals the show.
Not all of the new changes work perfectly as “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” misses the mark with cheesy sounding keys and modern day R&B flow falling flat. Things get spiritual in the correct way on “That’s My Home” as you hear a palpable connection between Armstrong and John when it comes to their shared home city.
Whether it is the straight gospel of “Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen” or the grooving and moving “Dippermouth Blues,” Dr. John has created both a winning tribute to a legend and a reworking of classic songs that traditionalists and new listeners can both enjoy: never an easy task. On that front credit should also be given to trombonist and co-producer Sarah Morrow who arranged Ske-Dat-De-Dat
When Blanchard and the Blind Boys show back up for “Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams” it is just as heartfelt and comforting as the second line bounce of The Dirty Dozen Brass Band closing things out behind Dr. John on the irresistible “When You’re Smiling.” Of course, this makes you want to get up and dance – you know Satchmo would.
Top photo by Andrew Francke
