“Y’all know the Doctor? Doctor John? Mac Rebennack?” Robbie Robertson’s famous Last Waltz introduction was not necessary this evening as everyone here knew who they were coming to see. One of the most celebrated and influential blues and funk musicians of all time arrived in Edinburgh with a new record to play from,which some critics have hailed as being up there with his best work. ‘The City That Care Forgot’ is a tribute to his birthplace New Orleans and obviously focuses on the terrible effect that was felt after the Hurricane devastated the city. The album features contributions from the likes of Eric Clapton and Willie Nelson, who sadly are not part of the live set up, but when you have a backing band as good as the Lower 911, they are rarely missed.

The band kick off proceedings tonight with a jam intro before the arrival of the Doctor on stage. He makes his way gingerly to his grand piano, looking slightly frail(he is 68!) but epitomising cool in a dapper suit and hat. The Queens Hall crowd stand to applaud the arrival of a bona fide legend and for the next hour he puts on a masterclass of music. From the opening slow funk of ‘In the name of you’ from 2001 album Creole Moon its clear they are in the mood and although the setlist is comprised of mainly output from the last decade or so, it is a welcome surprise when the band demand everyone gets on their feet for ‘Right place wrong time’ and its definitely a show stopper! Eventually, even the couple to my right, who would look more at home at Sunday service can’t resist the rhythm! Other highlights include ‘Lay my burden down’ which prompts an inevitable singalong of ‘Glory,Glory Hallelujah’ and the quite brilliant ‘Promises Promises’ from the new album as part of the encore. Finishing rather appropriately with ‘So Long’ our brief but extremely entertaining appointment with the Doctor is over…such a night indeed!

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