White Zombie
Paul Roland
2017 – UP002
On a sultry summer evening in 1994, Paul Roland spoke with Dr. John, “The Night Tripper,” about his New Orleans roots and voodoo initiation. At the time, Paul’s interest in voodoo was purely academic — he was researching for his book Revelations: The Wisdom of the Ages — though he had briefly explored the theme in songs like “Jumbee” and “Voodoo Doll.”
Years later, something compelled him to experiment by singing over drum patterns rather than writing with conventional chords. What emerged were raw, spontaneous chants — wordless and primal, like ancient call-and-response hymns. These evolved into 22 “Power Songs,” later enriched with flute, organ, and marimba.
Originally intended as a soundtrack for the 1932 film White Zombie, the project was revived when Italian rock journalist Max Marchini invited Paul to complete the album. With Paul’s lyrics translated into Creole by Cath Viale, vocals by Paola Tagliaferro, and a host of talented collaborators, Paul’s once-primitive chants became a powerful, haunting album — one he feels Dr. John guided in spirit.
Credits
Paul Roland: acoustic guitar, lead vocals
Paola Tagliaferro: High Priestess’ lead vocals
Lorenzo Trecordi: electric guitar, flute
Max Marchini: electric bass, electric guitar, e-bow
Annie Barbazza: drums, percussion, lead & backing vocals, electric bass
Alberto Callegari: electric bass
Sergio Nachira: percussion, backing vocals
Camillo Mozzoni: oboe
Paolo Tofani: Tricanta Veena