A few years ago, I had a guest on my radio show who has spent decades collecting nothing but versions of “Fever.” I often wonder whether he even knows this recording. It wouldn’t surprise me if it’s missing from his collection.

At The Mardi Gras Club was recorded in the mid-1960s and perfectly captures the atmosphere of a small nightclub. According to the back cover, Don Lucas was originally from Milwaukee, where he formed his first band at the age of fourteen. The trio later came together at the Mardi Gras Club in Orange, California, featuring Richard Matheny on guitar, John Toso on drums, and Buddy Levelle on bass. Together they performed throughout the Midwest, Las Vegas, and Southern California.

“Fever” was written in 1956 by Eddie Cooley and Otis Blackwell, who used the pseudonym John Davenport. The first recording was by Little Willie John, but the song became world-famous shortly afterwards through Peggy Lee.

Maybe it’s precisely because this version remains so simple that I love it so much. No big arrangement, no studio tricks. Just a well-rehearsed trio and Don Lucas’ wonderful voice.

For me, it’s one of the most beautiful and authentic interpretations of this classic.