Television

With 1994’s Television Dr. John showed that he's able to comfortably bridge vintage styles and current trends. He's a true believer in tradition, but he's also open to new sounds and technologies. “Television,” “Limbo” and “Shadows” incorporate wiggly synthesizers and electronic atmospheres into the Doctor’s classic funk recipe. As always, the maestro uses the finest session players, and Television benefits from the presence of heavyweights like Hugh McCracken, David “Fathead” Newman and Alvin “Red” Tyler. However, Dr. John also shows respect for the younger generation of funk musicians by including “Shut D Fonk Up,” a stanky vamp written by Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis. While some of its performances come off a little dry (especially by Dr. John’s extra-spicy standards), Television also boasts some hidden gems. “Lissen” and “U Lie 2 Much” deliver unfussy New Orleans R&B as only Dr. John can. Best of all is “Witchy Red,” which renews the murky grooves of “Walk On Gilded Splinters” and “Angola Anthem” without sacrificing any of the original swamp flavor.