Dr. John
Things Happen That Way
Jason Landry, Contributor
Mac Rebennack a.k.a. Dr. John was a legend. This Grammy Award winning and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee was born and raised in New Orleans and was one of their most noted musicians.
Released posthumously on Rounder Records - Concord, the album Things Happen That Way features a number of guests including Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real. It was recorded in early 2019 right before his untimely passing.
Starting with the first track, Funny How Time Slips Away, you get a sense of the weakness in his vocals and his realization that time is catching up to him. Albeit somber, the tracks on Things Happen That Way have a country western vibe but still carries that bluesy, jazz and R&B feel that this icon was known for.
One of the highlights that he and his band recorded is a nice rendition of The Traveling Wilburys classic End Of The Line featuring Aaron Neville. The drums and horn section create a pulsating rhythm embodying the spirit of a true New Orleans band. You could easily imagine them playing this track as they walk through the French Quarter while the second line follows behind.
