Dr. John: Ske-Dat-De-Dat The Spirit of Satch

New Orleans piano man Dr. John needs little introduction—his work as a groundbreaking genre-bending musician crosses multiple musical borders. Multiple collaborations with various artists throughout a long career have given him a well-deserved reputation that earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—even though he is a New Orleans boogie man at heart.

His amazing tribute to the music of fellow Louisiana son Louis Armstrong features musicians from various backgrounds. The disc begins with a zydeco take on the classic "What a Wonderful World," presented miles away from Satchmo's classic ballad. The tune features the Blind Boys of Alabama and writer and trumpeter Nicholas Payton, who adds a funky solo the proceedings.

Though most of the songs keep things close to the bandleader's hometown of New Orleans, some of them do go to a different direction. Take for example "Motherless Child," which features a neo-soul arrangement with vocals by Anthony Hamilton. The subtle arrangement is the perfect environment for Dr. John's piano improvisations. "Nobody Knows The Troubles I've Seen" is given a Gospel treatment with a complete choir led by the voice of Ledisi, while "Sweet Hunk O' Trash" is played as a lovely reggae-meets blues arrangement.