Customer Reviews

In a Sentimental Mood

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In his liner notes, Dr. John dedicated "In A Sentimental Mood" to Ray Charles and Charles Brown, two masters of urbane piano blues who gave standards their soulful stamp (helping form New Orleans-style rock and roll in the process).

Nicely mixing Great American Songbook authors (Johnny Mercer, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington) with modern, even classic jazzmen (Marcus Miller, Harvey Mason, arranger Marty Paich and even Charles' saxman David Newman) allows Dr. John to give classic songs a coarse New Orleans treatment in what might be considered an early entry among pop standards collections revived in the 1990s (Natalie Cole, Kenny Rogers, even Sinatra's "Duets" sets).

"Sentimental Mood" draws on John's gruff vocals and sly humor, updating the style that made fellow New Orleans jazzman Louis Armstrong a belatedly beloved jazz balladeer. Despite tucking his rollicking piano rolls under producer Tommy LiPuma's trademark soft strigs, John salutes Dave Bartolomew and Fats Domino beside Cole Porter on "Love For Sale" (also quoting Pagliacci and Lalo Schifrin). He gives rock n' roll kick to "Accentuate The Positive" (which became the theme for the short-lived series "Homefront.") His smoky "Candy" gives Ray Charles-esque personal treatment to what had been a showy stylistic exercise. The same can't be said for "Makin' Whoopie," John's duet with Rickie Lee Jones that subdues the naughty plays on words in Eddie Cantor's original and Charles' live cover.

Despite Dr. John's fine voice and piano work here, "In A Sentimental Mood" is supplemental for fans of the singer or standards generally. While this was a nice comeback and pointed out new directions for the singer, Dr. John's one-disc "Best Of Dr. John" and "Gumbo" on Atlantic, or his 2CD "Mos Scocious" Rhino anthology speak more to his showmanship and influence.

This may not be New Orleans but oh when I discovered it I played it endlessly. Old standards and Dr. John's smoothness. Great songs by some of my favorites, especially Sammy Cahn and Jerome Kern. When you have a good thing why mess with it. Cahn and Kern and Hoagy Carmichael don't need updating or re-arranging. Dr. John treated them just right.

Some of the tracks on this CD are singularly special. "Makin' Whoopee" featuring Rickie Lee Jones is an absolute treat, a very nice pairing. "My Buddy" is just achingly good, as is "More Than You Know." There are some fine musical performances, notably the sax solo by Joel Peskin--edgy and cool. The charts are altogether mellow and Dr. John's gruffly appealing voice is a perfect compliment to his fluid piano playing. These are true "oldies but goodies" -- songs by Johnny Mercer, Duke Ellington and Cole Porter. Classic songs by the classic Dr. John.
Recommended.

DR. JOHN-IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD: There are two kinds of all covers albums in that overstuffed market...those by average artists merely copying classics note for note, and those like the joyously rendered IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD, a sassy dose of "after dark" RNB/jazz/soul as only New Orlean's own groove-ologist Dr. John can administer it. Like Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, and damned few others, the mighty Mac Rebennac (who sounds funky just clearing his throat) can tackle practically any standard and own it ouright. His sly, steamy duet with Rickie Lee Jones on MAKIN' WHOOPEE is the perfect intertwining of two of modern music's most intriguing, eclectic talents, and the ivory tinkler's breezy renderings of DON'T LET THE SUN CATCH YOU CRYING and ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE are executions of pure laid back nirvana. No matter what kind of mood you may find yourself in, this doctor's got your prescription.

RATING: FOUR BLACK KEYS

I was staying at a tiny bed and breakfast in Cape Town when I heard this CD. I asked who it was and the owner said - oh my father-in-law loves him and so does my husband - as if that was answer enough and handed me the cover. I wrote it down and the very first time I got near a computer ordered it and several other Dr John's from Amazon. I have played it over and over since, straight repeat or shuffle. It is a lovely listenable delightful rendering of some great songs. The man's voice is magic - I am no expert but I know what I like and I love this.

This is Dr John at his best! I would highly recommend this cd to anyone who is a fan or who is a marginal fan. Played this for my older sister and it is now one of her all time favorite cds!

These standards are treated uniquely by Dr. John and when you play this CD, you'll repeat them again and again. Classics like "Makin' Whoopie", with Rickie Lee Jones and "Candy" and "My Buddy" show the versitility of Mac Rebbenick at his best.

This is an excellent CD for setting the mood at a patio gathering of friends, or a small dinner party for two. Some feel-good music with a touch of sentiment. Highly recommend.

This is an album of Dr. John performing standards. Standards with a New Orleans influence. It's a good album, tastefully done. Fans of "The Night Tripper" should enjoy it.

The cd arrived in a timely manner and was accurate in description as posted. I would recommend this seller.Amazon Verified experience.