New Orleans bassist Roland Guerin has replaced trombonist Sarah Morrow as music director for Dr. John. Morrow, whose tenure as music director began in 2012, is no longer a member of the band.
Roland Guerin at Jazz Fest 2015. Photo by Kim Welsh.
Guerin’s resume includes 15 years with Marcus Roberts and a 20-year association with Allen Toussaint, whose band he joined in 2008. The bassist joined forces with Dr. John last year, even playing on his rendition of “The Bare Necessities” from the 2016 remake of The Jungle Book.
Keith Spera of The New Orleans Advocate wrote an article on Dr. John’s band shake up earlier today, noting that it happened sometime earlier this month. According to him, Dr. John’s core band no includes Guerin, guitarist Eric Struthers, drummer Herlin Riley and Trumpet Leon “Kid Chocolate” Brown—all local New Orleans musicians.
As you may recall, OffBeat writer John Swenson had a rather baffling kerfuffle with Morrow back in 2013, when she confronted him a few months after he penned a critical review of Dr. John’s set at Jazz Fest.
The reviews for that Jazz Fest performance were almost universally negative, but much of the band was fired afterwards and subsequent shows with Morrow–and what would become known as The Nite Trippers—were better. Following Dr. John’s show at the 2014 Montreal International Jazz Festival, Swenson wrote:
“I’ve seen Mac Rebennack as Dr. John well over 100 times dating back to the late ’60s. I’ve seen him on off nights, but I’ve never heard two bad shows in a row so I was optimistic about the Montreal gig. He was terrific, singing as well as I’ve heard him in a long time and playing at the top of his game. The band was almost completely revamped since Jazz Fest (only bassist Dwight Bailey remained) and they kicked hard behind him, particularly drummer Reggie Jackson, who powered the groove with Bailey.
As for Morrow, she cued the band and anchored the backing vocals. Her trombone playing was precise and well-ordered in the arrangements, providing good fills and colorations throughout, and she kept her solos tight and well-focused.”
While Morrow may be out of the band, it looks like more collaborations with Dr. John may be on the horizon for her. When asked for a comment via email, Morrow told Spera:
“From the time Dr. John first pursued me to collaborate with him 9 years ago, to eventually becoming his arranger, music director and producer, it’s been an interesting artistic journey. Ultimately winning the hearts of Nola fans has meant a great deal to me. As Music Director last fall, I put together an awesome Nola based band — Herlin Riley, Roland Guerin and Eric Struthers— so I know Doc and the Nola fans are in good hands! I’m back to pursuing my own artistic path and my year is off to a good start … Fans can look forward to future projects that Dr. John and I collaborated on so stay tuned!”
