December 09 2010
Coming in 2011: The Funky Meters
posted by Steven Shaw at 9:13 am
The Funky Meters
The Funky Meters, led by original Meters founder members Art Neville and George Porter Jr., are coming to NZ. The pioneering funk musicians, who released a slew of classic funk albums in the 1960s and 1970s and who have backed New Orleans artists including the late Lee Dorsey, will play the Powerstation, Auckland on Friday April 15 2011.
The Meters’ self-titled 1969 debut album became a blueprint for the decade of funk that followed and their musical gumbo has totally defined the modern New Orleans style.
Through their work with legendary New Orleans producer Allen Toussaint, The Meters already had considerable experience playing soul and rhythm and blues. But when they released instrumental tracks like “Cissy Strut” and “Sophisticated Cissy” they really established New Orleans as the home of a new funk style. Where James Brown brought the band down on the one, The Meters were totally immersed in a syncopation style that turned the beats upside down — musical space became as important as the notes.
The band split in 1977, frustrated by their recording contract. Keyboardist Art Neville joined his brothers to form the Neville Brothers. The Meters reformed in 1989 to 1994 with new drummer Russell Batiste, who has also played with Maceo Parker and Robbie Robertson. Batiste still plays in the Funky Meters and in side projects with bassist George Porter, Jr.
The Funky Meters: The Powerstation, Auckland, Friday April 152011. Pre sale from Tuesday Dec 14th. Go to www.muchmoremusic.co.nz for all show and pre sale info. General on sale from Thurs Dec 16th. Tickets from Ticketmaster & Real Groovy.
Video: The Funky Meters — “Cissy Strut” and “Get Out My Life Woman” live