Dive into the swampy sound of New Orleans funk with a spotlight on The Meters, a band that has influenced everyone from Wu-Tang to Whitney Houston. Discover Leo Nocentelli's signature guitar style, the unique grooves of Art Neville and Zigaboo, and George Porter Jr.'s booming bass lines. The hosts reflect on the cultural roots of funk and share personal stories that celebrate the vibrant music scene of the Crescent City. Discover how this legendary band carved out a legacy that forever changed the music landscape!
The Meters' unique sound, shaped by their New Orleans roots and characterized by innovative rhythms, has profoundly influenced multiple genres, including hip-hop and R&B.
Producer Allen Toussaint's collaboration with The Meters not only amplified their music's authenticity but also connected them to the greater New Orleans music scene, expanding their reach.
Deep dives
The Meters: Icons of Funk
The Meters are considered one of the greatest funk bands of all time, known for their unique sound that infuses New Orleans culture and music into funk. Their influence spans beyond just the funk genre, reaching into American popular music as a whole. Between 1966 and 1976, The Meters shaped a distinctive style that is immediately recognizable, characterized by street beats and a blend of various musical traditions. This sound not only influenced future funk bands but also left a significant mark on genres like rock and R&B.
Alan Toussaint's Impact
Alan Toussaint played a critical role in shaping the music of The Meters as their producer and an architect of New Orleans music. He worked closely with the band in his studio, bringing to life some of their most popular tracks, while also connecting them with the broader New Orleans music scene. The collaboration resulted in a deep and authentic sound that showcases the richness of the local music culture. Toussaint's influence helped elevate The Meters' music beyond local recognition to a wider audience.
Drumming Techniques and Funk Grooves
Drummer Zigaboo Modeliste's unique approach to drumming became a signature element of The Meters' sound. His innovative use of the hi-hat and drum patterns created a groove that many other musicians sought to replicate. By emphasizing space in his rhythms, he demonstrated how simplicity, combined with a strong backbeat, builds the foundation of funk music. This approach, stressing what is not played as much as what is, set The Meters apart from their contemporaries, allowing their music to breathe and captivate listeners.
Legacy and Musical Influences
The Meters' music has had a lasting impact on various genres, particularly hip-hop, with many artists sampling their iconic grooves. Their tracks, such as 'Sissy Strut' and 'Cissy Strut,' have become foundational pieces in the evolution of funk and have been embraced by multiple generations of musicians. The integration of repetitive grooves and call-and-response vocals has influenced not only funk and R&B but also broader pop music. As New Orleans' vibrant culture continues to influence artists, The Meters stand as a testament to the city's deep musical roots and innovative spirit.
What makes New Orleans funk hit so different? In this episode, we dive into the swampy funk of The Meters, the iconic quartet that’s left its mark on everything from Wu-Tang to Whitney Houston and beyond. We break down Leo Nocentelli’s chicken-scratch guitar, Art Neville’s genius riff comping, Zigaboo’s “direct assault” on the high hat, and the thumping George Porter Jr. bass lines that defined their unique sound. And we explore how NOLA production legend Allen Toussaint provided the perfect roux to cook up The Meters’ musical gumbo — simple yet complex, country yet urban, and 100% groovin’! Tune in for stories of Adam’s funky DVD menu discoveries, Peter’s Snug Harbor gig with Meters’ royalty, and how the culture of the crescent city produced what may be the greatest funk band of all time.