This is a live recording from 1983, capturing
Dr. John at London's Marquee with
Chris Barber and his 11-piece band. The presence of
Barber and his big band gives the music a greater sense of swing, which makes
On a Mardi Gras Day -- which basically consists of such familiar items as "Iko Iko," "Right Place, Wrong Time," "Li'l Liza Jane," "Stack-A-Lee," and "Such a Night" -- something special in
Mac Rebennack's catalog. It gives longtime fans the opportunity to hear him stretch out, and play with the tempo and flash of his jazz chops, which are considerable. Not the definitive or most representative
Dr. John live set, but a rewarding one nonetheless.