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Dr. John: Ske-Dat-De-Dat The Spirit of Satch

By Ernest Barteldes
September 7, 2014
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Dr. John: Ske-Dat-De-Dat The Spirit of Satch

New Orleans piano man

Dr. John

piano
1940 - 2019

" data-original-title="" title="">Dr. John needs little introduction—his work as a groundbreaking genre-bending musician crosses multiple musical borders. Multiple collaborations with various artists throughout a long career have given him a well-deserved reputation that earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—even though he is a New Orleans boogie man at heart.

His amazing tribute to the music of fellow Louisiana son Louis Armstrong features musicians from various backgrounds. The disc begins with a zydeco take on the classic "What a Wonderful World," presented miles away from Satchmo's classic ballad. The tune features the Blind Boys of Alabama and writer and trumpeter

Nicholas Payton

trumpet
b.1973

" data-original-title="" title="">Nicholas Payton, who adds a funky solo the proceedings.

Though most of the songs keep things close to the bandleader's hometown of New Orleans, some of them do go to a different direction. Take for example "Motherless Child," which features a neo-soul arrangement with vocals by

Anthony Hamilton

" data-original-title="" title="">Anthony Hamilton. The subtle arrangement is the perfect environment for Dr. John's piano improvisations. "Nobody Knows The Troubles I've Seen" is given a Gospel treatment with a complete choir led by the voice of

Ledisi

vocals
b.1972

" data-original-title="" title="">Ledisi, while "Sweet Hunk O' Trash" is played as a lovely reggae-meets blues arrangement.

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Track Listing

What A Wonderful World; Mack The Knife; Tight Like This;I've Got The World On A String; Gut Bucket Blues;Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child; That's My Home; Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen; Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams; Dippermouth Blues; Sweet Hunk O'Trash; Memories Of You ; When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You)

Personnel

Dr. John

piano

Dr. Johm: piano and vocals; Bonnie Raitt: vocals; Anthony Hamilton: vocals; Ledisi: vocals, Arturo Sandoval: trumpet; Nicholas Payton: trumpet; Dirty Dozen Brass Band: various brass; Terence Blanchard: trumpet; Blind Boys Of Alabama: various instruments; McCrary Sisters: vocals; Shemekia Copeland: vocals; Wendell Brunious: trumpet;James "12" Andrews: trumpet; Mike Ladd: raps; Telmary: raps

Album information

Title: Ske-Dat-De-Dat The Spirit of Satch | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Concord Music Group

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