Musical mavericks at Warwick Arts Centre

MUSICAL mavericks from New Orleans to Kingston are among those stopping off at Warwick Arts Centre this autumn.

"Mac" Rebennack, better known to the world as Dr John has been brewing up his musical gumbo of blues, pop, and jazz, coupled with a little zydeco, boogie woogie and rock and roll stretching back over half a century, and it has made him the embodiment of New Orleans' musical legacy for many.

His colourful career started in the 1950s when he wrote and played guitar o some of the greatest records ever made in the Crescent City, including recordings by Professor Longhair, Art Neville, Joe Tex and Frankie Ford.

He shows no sign of slowing down, and with a new album just released, he will be calling in at WAC on Sunday November 16.

There has been no greater influence on the development of Jamaican music - Bob Marley included - than charismatic producer Lee 'Scratch' Perry.

The veteran dubmaster has released a string of acclaimed albums under his own names during his long career, and been at the mixing desk controls producing countless others for just about everyone who anyone in Jamaican music, including Marley.

Named as of of Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 100 artists of all time, Perry plays the Copper Rooms at Warwick Students Union on Thursday November 27.

Two of the most successful folk-inspired groups will also be dropping in - one from Ireland and the other from Scotland.

From across the Irish Seam Clannad have been intertwining the traditional with the modern for decades, and it has seen them sell 15 million albums and pick up numerous awards, including a Grammy and an Ivor Novello.

They will be showcasing songs from Nadur, their first album in 15 years, and no doubt some old favourites when they perform on Saturday October 11.

From north of the border, Capercaillie continue on a musical journey which has taken them from their native Scottish Highlands to as far afield as the Brazilian rainforest and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

They return to their roots for 30th anniversary album, At The Heart of it All, which features centuries old Herbridean folk songs given a characteristic contemporary twist, a few of which are sure to be included in their appearance on Friday December 5.

Visit www.warwickartscentre.co.uk for full WAC autumn programme details.

Buy photos» Dr John. (s)

Buy photos» Lee 'Scratch' Perry. (s)

Buy photos» Lee 'Scratch' Perry. (s)

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