On his newest CD, City That Care Forgot, pianist and New Orleans native Dr. John is unsparing in his criticism of politicians' incompetence, disregard and occasional malice toward his hometown in the wake of Katrina. As always, though, his music channels the life-affirming spirit of the Crescent City's rich traditions and the end result is celebratory rather than gloomy.


Although the good doctor has lived for many years in New York City, his roots to his hometown run deep. He discovered the city's R&B scene by accompanying his father on visits to repair nightclub jukeboxes, and as a teen began working as a session guitarist.

In the '60s he reinvented himself as the psychedelic voodoo character "Dr. John, the Night Tripper," but since his 1972 album Gumbo - a tribute to classic New Orleans R&B - he has become one of the city's premier spokesmen.

Dr. John cowrote 12 tracks on City That Care Forgot, which alternates between songs of condemnation and words of encouragement. The latter sentiment is best expressed in You Might Be Surprised and the opener Keep on Goin', but the thrust of the record highlights persistent problems that have largely been ignored elsewhere.

On Black Gold he condemns the narrow-minded focus on oil central to both the war in Iraq and the destruction of Louisiana's wetlands, a recurring topic throughout the album. We Gettin' There, featuring trumpeter Terence Blanchard, chronicles the frustrations faced by those trying to rebuild their homes, and Willie Nelson shares vocals on Promises, Promises, which suggests that the road to the White House is "paved with lies."

Eric Clapton guests on three tracks, and on My People Want a Second Line the presence of young brass band performers highlights how New Orleanians have been able to persevere by drawing upon their still vital traditions.

Scott Barretta is an Oxford-based writer and music critic. He is host of the Highway 61 blues radio show on MPB on Saturday nights.