Gris-Gris

by Dr. John, the Night Tripper

Type: Album
Released: January 22, 1968
Label: Atco, ATCO
Country: United States
Length: 33:18
Community rating: 4.82/5 from 6 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

On the debut album 'Gris-Gris', Mac Rebennack introduced his enduring Dr. John persona, creating a hypnotic fusion of traditional New Orleans R&B, funk, and psychedelic rock steeped in voodoo mysticism. Recorded in Los Angeles with producer Harold Battiste and a crew of New Orleans expatriate musicians, the album's sound is defined by its spooky atmosphere, layering soulful vocals and Creole chants over murky rhythms and innovative studio effects. Though a commercial failure upon its initial release, the record became a widely influential cult classic, celebrated for its singular and deeply experimental vision.

Genres

Descriptors: occult, ritualistic, dance, paranormal, spirituality, rhythmic, piano, bluesy, atmospheric

Tracklist

Credits

Dr. John - vocals, keyboards, percussion
Harold Battiste - bass, clarinet, percussion, arranger, producer
Plas Johnson - tenor saxophone
Lonnie Boulden - flute
Steve Mann - bottleneck guitar, banjo
Ernest McLean - guitar, mandolin
Bob West - bass
John Boudreaux - drums
Richard "Dr. Ditmus" Washington - percussion
Mo "Dido" Pedido - congas
Dave Dixon - backing vocals, percussion
Jessie "Dr. Poo Pah Doo" Hill - backing vocals, percussion
Ronnie "The Baron of Ronyards" Barron - backing vocals, percussion
Joni Jonz - backing vocals
Prince Ella Johnson - backing vocals
Shirley Goodman - backing vocals
Sonny Ray Durden - backing vocals
Tami Lynn - backing vocals
Marvin Israel - design
Raphael - photography
Richie Unterberger - reissue liner notes