Mercernary   Dr. John   Parlophone Records - 2006 A Review By Paule Pachter, July 1 , 2006

For his latest release, Dr. John has reached into the great American songbook and plucked out 13 compositions from legendary songwriter Johnny Mercer. While other performers like Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney and Judy Garland have interpreted Mercer’s music pretty straight forward with complete orchestrations, Dr. John has sprinkled a little gris-gris and a pinch of voodoo dust all over these Mercer classics and it all makes for a winning combination on “Mercenary: Songs of Johnny Mercer.” Dr. John is often regarded more for his stage presence and voodoo persona than for his incredible abilities on the keyboard. “Mercenary” allows Dr. John to step out from behind the purple velvet draping of his piano and the ever-present skull on top of his 88 keys and really shine as an exceptional keyboardist. His vocals are also outstanding on this CD and he delivers some great bluesy interpretations of such Mercer compositions as: “Hit the Road to Dreamland;” “Personality;” “Dream;” “That Old Black Magic;” “Moon River;” and a soothing version of “Tangerine” that’s unparalleled. Since I’m reviewing a promotional copy of “Mercenary,” which was sent to me by Dr. John’s talent agency I can’t give the credit that’s due to the exceptional musicians joining him on “Mercenary.” “Mercenary” earns our highest five-pepper rating and can be purchased online at: amazon.com. We greatly appreciate your support and encouragement of The Zydeco Road. Working together, we can enhance the recognition that Zydeco music and its artists so greatly deserve on Long Island and within the Metro New York area. [ Artist of the Month ] [Sounds of The Road ] [This Ain't No Rest Stop ] [ The Road Stops Here ] [Road Shows ] [Home ] [Email ] Also visit copyright 2006 Paule Pachter/Richard Arfin. All rights reserved.