When recently asked by an interviewer about the secret to musical longevity, the legendary New Orleans R 'n' B man Dr John had his answer ready: "Living."

Over the years the Doctor - otherwise known as Malcolm Rebennack - has been doing just that, rolling with the highs and lows that come with being a working musician.

During more than half a century of music-making, the American icon has recorded with everyone from Phil Spector to Supergrass and is a hero to the likes of Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton.

Now 65, he continues to take all that life has to offer, crisscrossing the country and trotting the globe with his band, the Lower 911.

Born in New Orleans, he was playing the piano at six and at 14 he made his musical debut while holding down a job as probably the world's youngest A&R man.

In the Sixties he paid his dues working as a session musician for the likes of Sonny and Cher, Frank Zappa and Phil Spector. But it was in the early Seventies that he eventually gained fame as Dr John, The Night Tripper, performing his psychedelic rock at elaborate, voodoo-spiked shows.

Over the years he's worked with the Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, and John Paul Hammond and recorded with Spiritualised, Paul Weller and Primal Scream for his album Anutha Zone.

He's also recorded jingles for a chicken ad, the theme song for Nineties TV sitcom Blossom and made film appearances in Martin Scorsese's The Last Waltz and Blues Brothers.

His latest album, Mercernary, sees the doc and his distinctive growl giving the work of songwriter Johnny Mercer his trademark New Orleans R'n'B treatment.

"I wanted to pull as many of the ones people weren't as familiar with, but it was impossible," he says. "One thing about Johnny Mercer's stuff is that even the songs that ain't that well known is well known from somethin'."

Recorded in New Orleans just a few months before Hurricane Katrina hit, he quickly turned out his ode to the city, Sippiana Hericane, and donated all the proceeds to charity.

"Every time I go back, I get weirded out by how little or nothin' is goin' on," he says. "Sippiana Hericane was a labour of shock."

Starts 7.30pm, tickets cost £20-£25. Call 01273 709709