We continue our look back at the music of 50 years ago…..
Before joining his brothers for a nice run in the 80’s and 90’s, Art Neville fronted a New Orleans outfit known as The Meters.
The band is credited with helping popularize funk music in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Their 1972 LP was called “Cabbage Alley”
Neville’s keyboards and the wah-wah guitar of Leo Nocentelli will grab your ears, but for me it’s the rhythm section that drives this train. The rubbery, supple bass of George Porter Jr and the magnificent drum work from Zizzy Modeliste. Art’s brother Cyril chipped in on congas.
You may remember them from a 1969 hit called “Cissy Strut”
You may also remember them for working with Paul McCartney, Dr’ John, LaBelle & Robert Palmer in the 70’s and opening for the Rolling Stones on their massive tours in 1975-76.
My faves on the record include the first track “You’ve Got To Change” in which you can really hear the talents of Modeliste and Porter. Also a tasty instrumental called ‘The Flower Song”, and the tracks “Smiling” and “Gettin Funkier All The Time”. The album is all originals except for a soulful take on the Neil Young song ‘Birds”.
It’s a fun listen that really didn’t get played up here. It will get your fingers snappin’ and your toes tappin’.
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