Dr. John and The Nite Trippers in Norwalk

Dr. John, The Night Tripper himself, works his keys in service to two sides of New Orleans; embodying its rhythms in classic boogie sound and embracing its dark side in his elusive aesthetic. First gaining notoriety as Mac Rebennack, he lent his talents to classic records by Professor Longhair, Frankie Ford, and Joe Tex. Though already a respected player in the Crescent City, Rebennack took it upon himself to take his art in a different direction and become the mysterious Loa, Dr. John on his first record Gris Gris (1968).

Dr. John now occupies a unique place in New Orleans Lore. The Bizarre Gris Gris showcased both traditional NOLA sounds as well as a penchant for experimentation and striking dark iconography. Equal parts Fats Domino and Captain Beefheart, it was an ambitious record that truly hit its mark. Dr. John's Voodoo sound took the nations attention and held it for the foreseeable future.