Live at Montreux, 1995

This 1995 recording showcases the legendary Dr. John (Mac Rebennack) fronting a full band of New Orleans greats -- including Alvin "Red" Tyler on tenor saxophone in the horn section -- playing a deep rootsy set that ranges from deep second-line funk, like "Iko Iko" and "Right Place, Wrong Time," to beautiful standards including "Blue Skies" and "Makin' Whopee," to pop tunes like "(C'mon Baby) Let the Good Times Roll," to sophisticated blues like Charles Brown's "Tell Me You'll Wait For Me." The good Doc doesn't steal all the glory for himself, either; this crack band gets a chance to shine throughout. The highlights of the set are the extended workouts like "The Bass Bass Drum (On a Mardi Gras Day)" (which medleys with "I Shall Not Be Moved"), "Iko Iko" and the burning read of "Mess Around." This is a cooking set from start to finish. Its sound is clean, immediate and warm, documenting a momentous occasion by a very hot and inspired band.