Sun, Moon and Herbs

Description

Dr. John a.k.a the night tripper is a singer, songwriter, voice actor, pianist, and guitarist, whose music combines Blues, Pop, Jazz, Zydeco, Boogie Woogie and Rock & Roll. Active as a session musician since the late 1950s, he gained a cult following in the late 1960s following the release of his album Gris-Gris and his appearance at the Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive music. He performed a wildly theatrical stage show inspired by medicine shows, Mardi Gras costumes and voodoo ceremonies. This eventually resulted in his signature voodoo music style.
The Sun Moon & Herbs is described by Allmusic as dark and swampy and best listened to on a hot, muggy night with the sound of thunder rumbling off in the distance like jungle drums. The center-piece of the album is Familiar Reality, a long cut based on one evil-sounding Stones-type riff. As usual, Dr. Johns strength lies in his galvanizing; mesmerizing choruses. The ones on Black John the Conqueror and File Gumbo are unforgettable.