Dr. John – The Nite Tripper was also honoring Europe by this tour in promotion for his fantastic new cd “Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit Of Satch”; his  very personal interpretations of songs by the trumpet legendLouis Armstrong and playing this night at the elegant theatre De Roma in Antwerpen. He had in summer health-problems, so everybody was eagerly awaiting the show-start to see his actual physical condition.

But first it was Belgian Blues’N Roll Duo Roland & Boogie Boy to start the concert and to thrill out the sold-out De Roma by titles likes ‘Jerry Roll’ or ‘Sugar Mama. It was specially charismatic Roland to prove by his guitar-solos what a master he is. The old, but young boys were to kick-ass and their conclusion ‘The Thrill Is Gone’ was also the highlight. Standing Ovations was their merit!

When Dr. John a.k.a. Mac Rebennack was humbling on stage with this magic-walking stick he was overwhelmed by the loud-blast of applause welcoming him. Everybody got aware of his physical problems, but like a positive voodoo-miracle when he was starting to play the first piano rhythms of “Iko Iko”, theN’awlinz Anthem of the Mardi Gras Indians all these problems were hoodooed away. His fingers were playin’the rhythms so greatly and forceful and his voice was ever so fiery and powerful. He had gathered new band-mates around him and it was specially trombone lady and band-conductor Sarah Morrow to enthuse by her solos. He was payin’ tribute to his career by playin’ songs from all decades, specially “Goin’ Back To New Orleans” and later “Walk On Guilded  Splinters” were hailed and absolute highlights. By “WOGS” he was celebrating his famous gris-gris-sticks percussion solo. Vowie about this little extra magic! By “Let the Good Times Roll” Mac switched to the guitar and proved by his solos that he’s a outstanding instrumentalist there too.  He played two songs from his new cd, which were specially acclaimed by the jazz-freaks which were ‘What A Wonderful World’ and ‘Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child’. And Dr. John was surprisingly also to rock De Roma by his interpretation of the Koko Taylor song “Wang Dang Doodle”, where he was heavy-hittin’ the keys of his black grand-piano, shoutin’ all bad ghosts, spirits, devils and witches away and granting his his virtuoso and fantastic guitarero Dave Yoke an extened solo in the spotlight. By “Such A Night” a phenomenal “Grand Soirée De Concert” was finalized by standing ovations of the hyper-pleased and joyful fans.

Dr. John – The Nitre Tripper – The Musical Voodoo-King of N’awlinz*****