New Orleans Funk: Meters' Groove

The Meters codified New Orleans funk with second-line rhythms and a deep pocket, a sound that defines artists from Dr. John to Galactic and Tank and the Bangas.

Tracklist

  1. Crazyhorse Mongoose — Galactic
  2. Meanwhile... — Dumpstaphunk
  3. Rebirth of New Orleans — Rebirth Brass Band
  4. You Lie — Dr. John
  5. Here We Come — Cha Wa
  6. Wanna Get Funky — George Porter Jr. & Runnin' Pardners
  7. BRING THE LIGHT (feat. Jon Batiste, Weedie Braimah, Pedrito Martinez & MonoNeon) — Trombone Shorty
  8. Move (feat. Lucky Daye) — Tank and the Bangas

Transcript

Welcome to OffStereo. Evening's here — let's set the mood.

Crazyhorse Mongoose — Galactic

Galactic carries the torch of New Orleans funk, directly extending The Meters' lineage by incorporating their signature grooves and second-line influences. This sound is a direct descendant, as heard on "Crazyhorse Mongoose."

Meanwhile... — Dumpstaphunk

The Meters' influence runs deep through generations, with Dumpstaphunk’s Ivan Neville continuing the family tradition. His band’s sound, like on "Meanwhile...", builds on Joseph 'Zigaboo' Modeliste's revolutionary 'funk pocket' drumming, characterized by syncopation and deconstructed second-line rhythms.

Rebirth of New Orleans — Rebirth Brass Band

The Rebirth Brass Band, founded in 1983, blends traditional second-line rhythms with modern funk, jazz, soul, and hip-hop, winning a Grammy in 2012 for 'Rebirth of New Orleans.' This showcases the enduring power of the street beat.

You Lie — Dr. John

The Meters didn't just play their own hits; they were the house band for Allen Toussaint's Sansu Enterprises, backing legends like Dr. John. Their grooves laid the foundation for his seminal 1973 album 'In the Right Place,' featuring tracks like "You Lie."

Here We Come — Cha Wa

The Meters fundamentally codified the New Orleans funk sound by seamlessly integrating traditional second-line rhythms and Mardi Gras Indian chants into a modern framework. This tradition thrives today, with bands like Cha Wa bringing the Mardi Gras Indian spirit to life on "Here We Come."

Wanna Get Funky — George Porter Jr. & Runnin' Pardners

George Porter Jr.'s foundational bass lines, a hallmark of The Meters, provided the heavy pocket for countless funk classics. He continues to define that sound with his band, George Porter Jr. & Runnin' Pardners, as heard on "Wanna Get Funky."

BRING THE LIGHT (feat. Jon Batiste, Weedie Braimah, Pedrito Martinez & MonoNeon) — Trombone Shorty

Trombone Shorty embodies the contemporary legacy of New Orleans music, blending traditional brass band sounds with modern funk, jazz, and hip-hop. His track "BRING THE LIGHT (feat. Jon Batiste, Weedie Braimah, Pedrito Martinez & MonoNeon)" showcases this evolution, a direct descendant of The Meters' innovative spirit.

Move (feat. Lucky Daye) — Tank and the Bangas

The unique musical identity solidified by The Meters continues to inspire, with artists like Tank and the Bangas pushing boundaries while staying rooted in New Orleans' rich traditions. Their track "Move (feat. Lucky Daye)" shows the vibrant future of the city's sound.

Thanks for listening to OffStereo as we delved into the irresistible pulse of New Orleans. May the spirit of that enduring groove continue to move you long after the music fades.