The Brightest Smile In Town [CD]

Trying to define what it is that makes Dr. John special is much like trying to define the word "soul'—you can surround it. But nailing it down is a whole ‘nother smoke. You can point to his sense of history, how he's never forgotten from whence he came, how his music always returns to his roots, even honoring the proud heritage of his native New Orleans. You can dissect his technique, marveling at the adroitness of the hands right and left; admiring the strong second line; respecting the tributes to his inspiration, Professor Longhair, apparent at every turn. And you can note how his peers consider his presence at a session as lending instant credibility to that particular project.

"Upon the release of The Brightest Smile in Town, the reviews were effusive. Chicago critic Bill Knight’s comparisons to Fats Waller and James P. Johnson were high compliments indeed. Downbeat’s Jim Roberts called the playing 'graceful'; noting that the LP had a broader scope than its predecessor. Jazz Times’ Rhodes Spedale summarized: 'He’s never been in better form than here.'

We kept in touch over the years. Mac was always generous and encouraging. Little did we know when The Brightest Smile in Town was released, what accolades lay ahead for Mac Rebennack and Dr. John. From the innovative guitar triumph 'Storm Warning' on the Rex label in 1959, to his 2012 Grammy-winning Locked Down album, Mac’s musical light shone brightly for seven decades. We were fortunate he chose to play for us. I’m sure he’d say that he was lucky too." - Jack Heyrman, Clean Cuts Producer

1. Saddled The Cow 2. Boxcar Boogie 3. The Brightest Smile In Town 4. Waiting For A Train 5. Monkey Puzzle 6. Average Kind of Guy 7. Pretty Libby 8. Marie La Veau 9. Come Rain Or Come Shine 10. Suite Home New Orleans 11. Rockin' Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu 12. Yesterdays 13. Key To The Highway 14. Lowdown, Worried And Blue 15. Touro Infirmary 16. Sippiania Midnight 17. Didn’t He Ramble / Closer Walk With Thee 18. Mississippi Mud 19. Brightest Smile In Town (extended alternate)

• Format Detail: CD
• Format: CD
• Genre: Blues