Edinburgh's Festival Theatre played home to the deep southern drawl of Dr John and The Lower 911 on Saturday as part of the Capital's Jazz and Blues festival. A regular tour stop for the 71 year-old, he and the band laced the hall with their excellent brand of Louisiana rhythm and blues for over two hours.
The evening kicked off with a set from the pianist Jon Cleary who played a selection of well-known and self-penned tracks which encompassed everything from boogie-woogie to the Latin/Caribbean inspired habanero.
The Night Tripper himself sauntered onto the stage toting his famed voodoo walking stick. Dressed in an expensive looking red suit, the man known as Mac Rebennack to his friends, sat down centre stage next to a skull mounted piano to begin his assault on the evening.
From the likes of Junko Partner and Right Place Wrong Time, the good Dr infused the Festival Theatre with the sort of sleazy New Orleans funk sound that made him famous throughout the 70's. Tracks fom his new album Lock Down displayed the skill and familiarity he now has with the Lower 911 as they would effortlessly flow from one song to another.
The night was not without hiccups however. On more than one occassion the band were in danger of drowning out Dr John's distinctive vocals and on other tracks the grand piano was nigh on impossible to hear over the rest of the instruments.
Those looking for his more mainstream successes like Makin' Whoopie or Accentuate the Positive were in for disapointment. This was an evening for Louisiana bayou beats. This was a time for midnight strolls through Basin Street Cemetery. This was Dr John. The Night Tripper.