Dr. John - The Sun, Moon & Herbs / Speakers Corner

Originally intended as a triple album, "The Sun, Moon & Herbs" was stripped down, vaporized and reassembled into this single LP, and while Dr. John never much liked this version, it certainly is proof of the 'less is more' theory.

The seven tracks are all lacking in radio-friendly length, and the spells Dr. John and his companions weave are dark and swampy. "Black John The Conqueror" comes from old Cajun folk, which the good Dr. has modernized and

given a beat. The swampy "Craney Crow" is the younger sibling of his earlier "Walk On Guilded Splinters" and has a similar effect on the listener. "Pots On Fiyo (Fils Gumbo)" combines Latin rhythms with copious Cajun chants

and spells. The vocals are almost unintelligible and actually serve as another instrument in the mix. "Zu Zu Zu Mamou" is so compact you could almost cut the music with a knife, here the atmosphere takes on a whole different meaning.

"The Sun, Moon & Herbs" is best listened to on a hot, sticky night with thunder rumbling like a jungle drum in the distance. Dr. John definitely had an agenda here, but exactly which one is up to the listener.

Dr. John (voc, p, org, vib, perc); Tommy Ferrone, Eric Clapton (g); Bobby Keys (sax); Ed Hoerner, Jim Price (tp); Ken Terroade (fl); Walter Davis (p); Ronnie Barron (org); Jesse Boyce (b); John Boudreaux (dr); The Memphis Horns & backing vocals; a.o.

Recording: July - October 1970 at Trident Studios, London, by Roy Baker and Dimension Recorders, Hollywood (USA), by Judd Philips

Production: Dr. John & Charles Greene

Title

Side One

1. Black John The Conqueror

2. Where Ya At Mule

3. Craney Crow

Side Two

1. Familiar Reality-Opening

2. Pots On Fiyo (Filé Gumbo) / Who I Got To Fall On (If The Pot Get Heavy)

3. Zu Zu Mamou

4. Familiar Reality-Reprise