Medicated Magic

Dirty Dozen Brass Band

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 23, 2002)
• Original Release Date: April 23, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rope a Dope
• ASIN: B0000640MF
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #169,350 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Since their birth in 1977, the pioneering Dirty Dozen Brass Band has extended the New Orleans Second Line tradition into rock, R&B, funk, and hip-hop. Led by trumpeter-vocalist Gregory Davis, the nonet is joined by several cutting-edge guest artists. Dr. John lends his Crescent City piano chords and deep-south vocals on "Everything I Do Gon' Be Funky" and the festive "Big Chief." The gravel-voiced John Bell, of Georgia-based jam band Widespread Panic, chimes in on the hip-shaking "Walk on Gilded Splinters." Robert Randolph's ghostly steel pedal guitar casts its spell on Aaron Neville's "Tell It Like It Is," and the young diva Norah Jones's tender Texas twang graces the ballad "Ruler of My Heart." DJ Logic's turntable scratches provide the gumbo on the autobiographical "We Got Robbed," and the Mississippi-born blues bard Olu Dara adds his Delta-derived voice to "Junko Partner." Throughout the CD, the DDBB brings Big Easy grooves into the 21st century. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Product Description
2002 album features ten tracks of pure New Orleans rhythm and includes guest appearnces by Dr. John, John Bell, Norah Jones, DJ Logic, Robert Randolph, and Olu Dara.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Funked Up, November 21, 2002

By	Larry White (AdultPop.com) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

On the occasion of their 25th Anniversary, this New Orleans institution has released an absotively bonaroo CD, if you know what we mean (or if we do). Although the personnel have changed a wee bit over the years, this largely in tact band of premier musicians continues t provide some of the most buoyant, joyous, dynamic music to be found anywhere. Included here are classic-sounding originals written by members of the band and just plain classics of such Nawlins legends as Allen Toussaint, The Meters, Professor Longhair, Dr. John, and Aaron Neville and Irma Thomas. Produced by Craig Street, whose name seems to pop up on a significant number of our favorite albums, this CD employs an eclectic and imaginative assemblage of guest artists. Included are Dr. John himself, roots/jazz vocalist Olu Dara, turntablist DJ Logic, the incredible Robert Randolph who coaxes the most distinctive and unusual sounds out of a pedal steel guitar, and, just when we were beginning to go through a Norah jones, she provides a fix with a stunning rendition of a Nawlins standard. If there is a more thoroughly funked-up album out there right now, we'd like to know about it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very, Very Good, May 23, 2002

By	"digginthefunk" (chicago (home of unimaginative radio)) - See all my reviews

Let me start by saying that I love the DDBB. They are true pioneers who, 25 years later, are delivering music that is as good (probably better) than when they started. Highlighted by virtuoso performances and amazing arrangements, they define "old school" for me. Other bands should (and obviously do) listen to and emulate them, but there can be only one DDBB.

The first time I listened to Medicated Magic, I was a little disappointed, as I was hoping for an album as outstanding as their last one, Buck Jump (one of the baddest, funkiest, old-school-showin'-em-how-its-done albums EVER). But as I listen to this CD more, it has definitely grown on me. Especially good are the opener "Ain't Nothin But a Party"; their cover of the Meters' "Cissy Strut"; "Ruler of My Heart" with Norah Jones (now I see what the fuss is about!); and "Big Chief" with Dr John. It's great to see DDBB giving props to the music of New Orleans, much like they did on the New Orleans album (which I also recommend).

My only (minor) complaints are that "Walk on Guilded Splinters" with John Bell of Widespread Panic does not kick quite as much as the live version they did on WP's recent live album (although its very good), and the duet with Dr John on "Everything I Do Gon' Be Funky" does not have as much bite as it should. But overall, a very, very good album. (P.S. check out their live DVD - unbelievable!!!)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Stuff!, April 29, 2002

By	Andre M. "brnn64" (Mt. Pleasant, SC United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This was my first exposure to the DDBB. Godd stuff! I'll be coming back for more! "We Got Robbed" (based on an actual incident involving the band) is a lot of fun with it's instrumental interplay and chants of the title. The Eighth wonder of the world Robert Randolph (see "Live at the Wetlands" and "The Word") contributes his soulful steel guitar on "Tell It Like It Is" and "Cissy Strut" (unfortunately, he's barely audible on his other contribution to this effort). Other than that mild complaint, enjoy some REAL (non-synthesized) music that your radio SHOULD be playing!