Ronnie Barron - Reverend Ether (1971)

Ronnie Barron was an American singer-songwriter and keyboard player.

Originally from New Orleans, Ronnie Barron met with Mac Rebennack in 1958, and the two performed together throughout the 60s. It was during this time that Barron created a stage persona - Reverend Ether - to give an extra element of theatricality to his stage shows. Rebennack was so impressed with it that he invented his own persona - Dr John. Apparently he originally wanted it to be Barron, but ended up becoming the Doctor himself. Barron moved to California in 1965 to become a session musician, and also appeared as a guest on many Dr John albums over the years.
In 1971 he released his first solo album, named after his old Reverend Ether character. It's some seriously groovy New Orleans funk/R&B, with lots of fantastic piano and Hammond organ, all tied together by Barron's unique vocals.

|> The Smile Of Life (1978)

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