Bowlive II: Night Three – Soulive w/ Alecia Chakour and Bernie Worrell @ The Brooklyn Bowl
(Photo by Allison Murphy)
(Photo by Allison Murphy)
The Royal Family just keeps raising the bar as the third night of Bowlive 2 was spectacular!!! Any night where the new musical generation of a genre gets to play with an old school member something magical happens on stage.
The vampy Alecia Chakour engaged the audience with her soulful vocals to open the evening. Chakour’s emotive voice was a nice change from the Nigel Hall and WAX sets that opened the previous nights. She is a phenomenal power behind the microphone similar to the likes of Joss Stone but better. Chakour spoke of family and a theme that would define the evening was unleashed.
The addition of Alecia Chakour to The Royal Family has been a pleasant surprise this year. The combination of Nigel Hall and Alecia Chakour’s voice is seamless. His vibrant, smooth voice melds wonderfully with Alecia’s calm, sexy vocals. Their tonality and harmony on top of one another is flawless. Their chemistry, amazing as he dances around her and she locks eyes with him. So long as they continue to perform together, they will become a force to be reckoned with, without a doubt.
The ever hilarious MC Mike Gibney introduced Soulive speaking of his new haircut and how sharp he looks for this awesome band! Soulive started their set with tracks such as “Something” from their latest album Rubber Soulive. The Shady Horns, consisting of Ryan Zoidis and Cheme Gastelum, stepping in for Sam Kininger, were brought out to compliment the jazzy/funk trio on a KILLER “Hat Trick,” where Gastelum was given room to release a spectacular solo. Nigel Hall came out to lend his vocals to “Do the 2” and “Too Much” with help from Alecia Chakour.
Set List: Beatles medley, Something, Upright, For Granted, Hat Trick, Doin’ The 2, Too Much
A group that helped define a genre, Parliament Funkadelic was the bearer of multiple musicians that helped developed what FUNK sounds like and stands for!! Band leader George Clinton lead the Mothership of musical freaks to the promise land through his vocals, songwriting and outrageous character. Bassist Williams “Bootsy” Collins is considered highly influential in his funk bass styling. Then, you have Bernie Worrell, an amazing keyboardist who brought the synthesizer to the forefront of funk.
With a scarf on his head, Nigel Hall led the masses through a medley of P-Funk tunes. Where some might say the “Dr. Frankenstein” was the highlight others will argue that “Flashlight” blew the cobwebs out our minds! During “Mothership,” Bernie Worrell played the keys as Neal Evans perfectly projected a sound that emulated a spaceship landing. It was amazing and uplifting to say the least.
(Photo by Allison Murphy)
During “Dr. Frankenstein”, my personal favorite RIPPING JAM of the night, hilarious bassist, Chris Loftlin, comes to the front of the stage, takes the microphone and proceeds to sing the children’s tune “Little Mrs. Muffit,” throwing us his ROCK HORNS and amping up the audience more then ever. He is so unbelievably fun, hilarious, vibrant and awesome! I adore Chris Loftlin. Check it out:
Set List: Up For the Downstroke, Mothership, Dr, Frankenstein, Flashlight, Do That Stuff
Are you ready for more? Tonight Krasno and the Evans Brothers welcome pedal-steel guitarist Robert Randolph (Robert Randolph and the Family Band, The Word) to engage Brooklyn Bowl’s audience in yet another night of soulful music..
Bowlive II: Night One – Soulive w/ Lettuce and Maceo Parker
Photo by Allison Murphy)
Bowlive 2, a two week Soulive residency at the Brooklyn Bowl, kicked off yesterday firing on all cylinders. For a Tuesday, the venue was packed! You could literally feel The Gods of Funk smiling down upon the Bowl’s stage the entire night as we were delivered one of the funkiest weeknights the Brooklyn Bowl has seen.
(Photo by Allison Murphy)
Right off the bat it was evident that this year would be different. There were more cameras propped up around the venue to tape the magic that would take place over the ten day run. There were three beautiful tapestries lining one of the walls with Eric Krasno‘s face shimmering in gold. There was a Soulive backdrop on the wall across from the merchandise table set up for fans to take pictures in front of. But the biggest difference this year…Bowlive 2 opening night sold more tickets than The Funky Meters did on their opening night. That is crazy!! Last year on opening night the venue was barely half full. It was quite literally myself, my boys Rob and Russ and maybe 50 other people. It was also the night that I met the wonderful musical blogger of ViewsSkewed.com, Meredith Berke. I can safely say, without her assistance and guidance, Tinyrager.com may never have existed 🙂
Last year’s Bowlive saw Nigel Hall singing alone at his Rhodes until the ends of his set when members of Soulive and Lettuce would join in to help him close it out with major energy. After a year of rotating back ground singers and putting together various combinations of musicians, The Nigel Hall Band has finally gotten it’s core group on lock down.
(Photo by Michael Jurick)
(Photo by Michael Jurick)
A little after 9pm, The Nigel Hall Band, consisting of Eric Krasno on bass, Adam Deitch on drums, Neal Evans on organ, Alan Evans on percussion, Mel Flannery and Tania Jones on backup vocals and Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff on guitar, hit the stage filling the excessively packed venue with soulful songs layered with get-down funk. It’s always awesome seeing Krasno on bass. He is so smooth with his guitar and to see him with a bass while others fill the guitar spot, well, it’s fun! The always soulful Hall, decked out in an orange and white argyle sweater and a baseball cap, geared us up in a way that only he could. While most songs were sung seated at his Rhodes, Hall sang his way through fan favorites such as “Never Know” and “Gimmie A Sign.”
Engaging the audience with his expressive nature, Hall danced around the stage for “Never Gonna Let You Go” and “Too Sweet” during which Ryan Zoidis came out for an impromptu saxophone solo. Nigel Hall’s undeniable energy is exactly why Soulive has slated him to open for the remainder of the Bowlive 2 run.
Set List: Baby We Could Have It All (end), Hang It Up, Back Home, Give Me A Sign, Too Sweet, Never Know, Never Wanna Let You Go
By the time the members of Soulive were set to hit the stage, the Brooklyn Bowl was a sardine can busting at the edges with excitement. However, before the anticipated set could begin, Brooklyn Bowl owner Peter Shapiro came on stage to express his gratitude for this musical event and for the audience participation by offering 600 shots of Tequila which were delivered by the tray full throughout the venue.
The lucky residents of New York City recognized that even though this was a school night, nothing would keep them from enjoying the first night of what is expected to be a giant success of a musical run. Pete knew this and the turn out was jaw-dropping. Perhaps everyone felt stupid for missing Lettuce and Maceo Parker playing Brooklyn Bowl together back in January. Perhaps they just heard how good it was and needed to check these guys out for themselves.
(Photo by Michael Jurick)
Nigel Hall comes to the front of the stage and screams into the microphone, “Are you ready to Rage?”…a pitiful response follows. He repeats himself and the venue caught on. We were ready to rage.
Finally, the hosts for the night, guitarist Eric Krasno, drummer Alan Evans and organist Neal Evans, appropriately dressed in Royal Purple, entered on stage and the Brooklyn Bowl erupted. Over the course of the next hour, the funky trio blasted through “El Ron” and releasing a fantastic “One in Seven” on us before offering us a few Beatles covers from their latest album, Rubber Soulive.
Set List: El Ron, Aladdin, One in Seven, Come Together, Eleanor Rigby—>I Want You (She’s So Heavy)
Lettuce came on stage raging full force into the appropriately named “Blast Off” with “Last Suppit” following. A few songs in, Maceo Parker, the leader of James Brown’s infamous horn section, joined the stage. As he enters, he playfully goes for Nigel Hall‘s baseball cap and then drops his hand and they share a laugh. Now it was time to dance your ass off as they raged right into several covers beginning with Parliament Funkadelic’s “Up for the Down Stroke.”
(Photo by Michael Jurick)
It was pretty sick to see Cheme join the horns even though Sam wasn’t there and how it was nice they gave him real room to solo during the encores, the same way they gave James Casey a long solo during “Get Back” last year. ~ Russ Agdern
(Photo by Allison Murphy)
The tidal wave of funk through the combination of Lettuce and Maceo continued to bring the fire with “Uptown Up” were Maceo rapped the Corey Parker verse. “There Was a Time,” a James Brown favorite, saw Adam Deitch solo on the drums as Maceo Parker teased Brown’s “Cold Sweat” over top. At one point Parker focuses on It was then time to give Ray Charles a little love as Maceo and the gang brought it down nice and slow for “Night Time is the Right Time” where Alecia Chakour ripped a solo that had all eyes on her and people asking left and right, “Who was this phenomenal voice?”
(Photo by Michael Jurick)
The remainder of the set continued to up the heat with funky vibes and soulful solos. Alecia Chakour joined backup vocals as Maceo Parker exited the stage. She is absolutely amazing. Talk about attitude and vocal style. Straight soul sista right there. An audience member got on a friend’s shoulder and screamed for her during her solo before being asked to get down. The energy in this place was killer.
(Photo by Michael Jurick)
(Photo by Michael Jurick)
There was a time where there were at least 8 people on stage and they were all just playing, improving beats. Nigel and Chakour inserting their voices in various places. The focus was again on Nigel Hall as he busts out his vocals with “Making My Way Back Home.” Acclaimed Jazz pianist, James Hurt, popped in for a few minutes to tear up “Pass the Peas” and again for the encore of “By Any Schmeans Necessary.” Somewhere in the middle of all of it, Maceo Parker returns to the stage in his long winter jacket, looking all ready to walk out the door, but not without one more goodbye!
Set List: Blast Off, Last Suppit, P-Funk Medley including: Up for the Down Stroke/Mothership Connection/Let’s Take It To The Stage/take Your Dead Ass Home, Uptown Up, There Was a Time, Night Time is the Right Time, Shake Everything U Got, Pass the Peas, Soul Power tease, Makin My Way Back Home.
Encore: Sam’s Flying Huff Machine, By Any Schmeans Necessary
Tonight Soulive will take the stage with yet another serving of Lettuce along with a few sides of hip-hop MC Pharoahe Monch and WAX. Be prepared to be blown away by their spittin’ lyrics and fresh beats.
($33-$95) Tibet House Benefit Concert @ Carnegie Hall
Feat: Philip Glass, Tenzin Choegyal, The Flaming Lips, Angelique Kidjo, Taj Mahal, James McCartney, The Roots, Patti Smith, Jesse Smith and Michael Campbell, Michael Stipe
($40-$80) Mahler’s Fourth Symphony @ Avery Fisher Hall
Friday, March 4th, 2011
($7-$10) Official Conspirator After-Show feat. The Manhattan Project @ The Delancey
($30) Larry Coryell Power Trio with Victor Bailey & Lenny White @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40) 5th Annual Nolafunk Mardi Gras Ball: featuring Dr. John & The Lower 911 , Soul Rebels Brass Band and Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds @ Le Poisson Rouge
($40-$80) Mahler’s Fourth Symphony @ Avery Fisher Hall
($41-$331) Bon Jovi @ Madison Square Garden
Sunday, March 6tht, 2011
($30) Larry Coryell Power Trio with Victor Bailey & Lenny White @ Iridium Jazz Club
($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
($30) Fred Hersch & Joshua Redman Duo @ Jazz Standard
Monday, March 7th, 2011
($5) London Souls Residency @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
Tuesday, March 8th, 2011
(Free) NY Funk Exchange @ Club Groove
(Free) Mark Guiliana @ Kush
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall
($15) Eli Paperboy Reed & The True Loves@ Knitting Factory Brooklyn
($59) FURTHUR: Phil Lesh and Bob Weir @ Best Buy Theater
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
($10) A Post Furthur and Allman Brothers Band Show w/ Reckoning @ Sullivan Hall
($25) Post Allmans in New York Midnight Concert Series w/ The Yonrico Scott Band featuring Oteil and Kofi Burbridge @ Iridium Jazz Club
Sunday, March 13th, 2011
($7) Afro Funky Party w/ Zongo Junction, Top Shotta & DJ Offbeat @ Cameo Gallery
($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
($30-$40) Al Dimeola World Sinofina @ The Blue Note (2 shows)
($30-$42) Intimate Solo Acoustic Citizen Cope @ City Winery
Monday, March 14th, 2011
($5) London Souls Residency @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
($30) Steve Martin performing with The Steep Canyon Rangers: An Evening of Bluegrass & Banjo @ Highline Ballroom
($30-$42) Intimate Solo Acoustic Citizen Cope @ City Winery
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Tuesday, March 15th, 2011
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall (late night)
($5) That 1 Guy @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($30-$42) Intimate Solo Acoustic Citizen Cope @ City Winery
($35) Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Joe’s Pub
($59) FURTHUR: Phil Lesh and Bob Weir @ Best Buy Theater
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Wednesday, March 16th, 2011
($10) Gent Treadly @ The Sugar Bar
($30-$42) Intimate Solo Acoustic Citizen Cope @ City Winery (2 shows)
($35) Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Joe’s Pub
($40) New York Dolls @ Bowery Ballroom
($80-$180) Elton John @ Madison Square Garden
Thursday, March 17th, 2011
(Free) The Farewell Drifters @ Rockwood Music Hall
($5) Dead Kenny G’s @ Brooklyn Bowl
($15) Chris Morrisey Quartet w/ Mark Guiliana @ The Jazz Gallery
($18-$22) JJ Grey(MOFRO) solo acoustic with Shannon McNally @ City Winery
($35) Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Joe’s Pub
($40) New York Dolls @ Bowery Ballroom
($50-$93) Celtic Women @ Radio City Music Hall
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Friday, March 18th, 2011
(Free) Nutritious @ The Cove
($5) The Heavy Pets (GOLDYS BIRTHDAY PARTY) @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($5) Buzz Universe & Afro Skull @ The Bowery Poetry Club
($30) Duduka Da Fonseca Quintet featuring Anat Cohen @ Jazz Standard
($35) FUNK SUMMIT: Leo Nocentelli (The Meters), Bernie Worrell (P-Funk), Fred Wesley (James Brown, P-Funk) @ Iridium Jazz Club
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
($12) A Post Allman Brothers Band Show featuring Some Cat From Japan: The Music Of Jimi Hendrix featuring Scott Metzger / Will Bernard / Ron Johnson / Eric Bolivar @ Sullivan Hall
($60-$275) Janet Jackson – Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour @ Radio City Music Hall
Saturday, March 19th, 2011
(Free) Mark Guiliana @ Rockwood Music Hall
(Free) West African Band @ St. Nicks, Harlem (late night)
($10) Anders Osborne w/ Leroy Justice @ Brooklyn Bowl
($30-$40) Pat Martino Organ Quartet @ Birdland
($35) FUNK SUMMIT: Leo Nocentelli (The Meters), Bernie Worrell (P-Funk), Fred Wesley (James Brown, P-Funk) @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40) Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
($60-$275) Janet Jackson – Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour @ Radio City Music Hall
Sunday, March 20th, 2011
($20) Murder By Death @ Rocks Off Cruise
($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
($60-$200) Diana Ross – Greatest Hits Tour @ St. George Theater, S.I.
($75-$125) Benefit for Cornell Dupree w/ Cornell Dupree, Joe Cocker and Dr. John @ B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
($80-$180) Elton John @ Madison Square Garden
Monday, March 21st, 2011
($5) London Souls Residency @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($10-$17) 101.9 Wrxp 3rd Anniversary Show Feat. Guster @ Irving Plaza
($25) Mingus Dynasty @ The Jazz Standard
($30) Rick Derringer @ Iridium Jazz Club
($50) Keyshia Cole @ B.B. Kings
($60-$275) Janet Jackson – Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour @ Radio City Music Hall
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall (late night)
($15-$20) Mike Gordon @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($18-$22) Noah and The Whale @ Bowery Ballroom
($25-$40) Paula Cole – DIVINALE: A Month of Wine, Women and Song @ City Winery
($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
($10/$12) Heyoka, The Malah, Octopus Nebulae, Tucci @ Public Assembly (Mis Ter Bugsley)
($15) Surprise Me Mr. Davis @ The Bell House
($15-$20) Mike Gordon @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($20-$25) Steve Kimock 2011 NYC Residency w/ special guests Henry Butler , Andy Hess (Gov’t Mule, Black Crowes, John Scofield) and John Morgan Kimock @ Sullivan Hall
($30) Jeff Lorber Fusion @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
Thursday, March 24th, 2011
($10) The Macpodz and Sister Sparrow And The Dirty Birds @ Studio at Webster Hall
($25) James Blood Ulmer with The Memphis Blood Blues Band featuring Vernon Reid @ Jazz Standard
($30) Jeff Lorber Fusion @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
($40-$52) Cold War Kids @ Radio City Music Hall
($40-$80) Hungarian Echoes IV: Bartók’s First Piano Concerto @ Avery Fisher Hall
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Friday, March 25th, 2011
($??) Mahavishnu Project plays Jeff Beck (Wired, Blow By Blow, There & Back) @ Iridium Jazz Club
DVD Release Event for “Jeff Beck: Live at Iridium” [free DVD giveaways]
($12) A Post Furthur & Allman Brothers Band Show featuring Some Cat From Japan: The Music Of Jimi Hendrix featuring Nigel Hall , Scott Metzger , Will Bernard , Ron Johnson , Eric Bolivar @ Sullivan Hall
($18-$20) The Wood Brothers with Carsie Blanton @ City Winery (2 shows)
($20) Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears @ Bowery Ballroom
($25) James Blood Ulmer with The Memphis Blood Blues Band featuring Vernon Reid @ Jazz Standard
($25) Post Allmans in New York Midnight Concert Series Col. Bruce Hampton and Pharoah Gummitt Featuring Duane Trucks @ Iridium Jazz Club
($30) Steve Smith, Jon Herington and Col. Bruce Hampton @ Iridium Jazz Club
($32.50) Victor Wooten and Stanley Clarke @ BB Kings
($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
($40-$47) Queens of the Stone Age @ Terminal 5
($40-$80) Hungarian Echoes IV: Bartók’s First Piano Concerto @ Avery Fisher Hall
($50-$60) Don McLean with Special Guest Dar Williams @ Town Hall
($50-$84) Furthur @ Radio City Music Hall
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Saturday, March 26th, 2011
(Free) West African Band @ St. Nicks, Harlem (late night)
($10) A Post Furthur and Allman Brothers Show with Reflections @ Sullivan Hall
($15-$20) Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears @ Bowery Ballroom
($25) James Blood Ulmer with The Memphis Blood Blues Band featuring Vernon Reid @ Jazz Standard
($35) Hubert Sumlin Band @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
($40-$80) Hungarian Echoes IV: Bartók’s First Piano Concerto @ Avery Fisher Hall
($45-$65) Afro-Cuban All Stars @ The Concert Hall
($50-$84) Furthur @ Radio City Music Hall
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
($100-$175) Rod Stewart / Stevie Nicks – Heart and Soul Tour @ Madison Square Garden
Sunday, March 27th, 2011
($8-$10) Dangermuffin @ The Rock Shop
($25) Hubert Sumlin Band @ Iridium Jazz Club
($25) James Blood Ulmer with The Memphis Blood Blues Band featuring Vernon Reid @ Jazz Standard
($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
($40) Harlem Gospel Choir @ BB Kings
($50-$84) Furthur @ Radio City Music Hall
Monday, March 28th, 2011
($5) London Souls Residency @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
($25) New Sounds Live: So Percussion and Bobby Previte with John Medeski, Zeena Parkins, DJ Olive & Jen Shyu @ Merkin Concert Hall
($35) Hubert Sumlin Band @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40-$47) LCD Soundsystem @ Terminal 5
($50-$117) Jeff Beck and Rock N Roll Party w/ Imelda May & Her Band @ Radio City Music Hall
Tuesday, March 29th, 2011
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall (late night)
($5) BoomBox @ Brooklyn Bowl
($12-$65) Medeski Martin & Dunn, John Zorn & MASADA Marathon @ David H. Koch Theater
Featuring: Marc Ribot, Uri Caine, Dave Douglas, John Medeski, Secret Chiefs 3, Greg Cohen, Joey Baron, Cyro Baptista, Kenny Wollesen, Jamie Saft, Erik Friedlander, Mark Feldman, Sylvie Courvoisier, Trevor Dunn, and many others
($20) Billy Martin w/ Dj Oliver and Ikue @ The Stone
($30-$40) Kevin Eubanks Trio @ Birdland NYC
($40-$47) LCD Soundsystem @ Terminal 5
($55-$65) Billy Bragg – At Home In The City W/ Special guest Ben Sollee @ City Winery
Wednesday, March 30th, 2011
($20) Steve Kimock 2011 NYC Residency with special guests Marco Benevento , Marc Friedman (The Slip) , Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Breakscience) @ Sullivan Hall
($25) Reggie Watts @Music Hall of Williamsburg
($30-$40) Kevin Eubanks Trio @ Birdland NYC
($35-$60) Aaron Neville @ BB Kings Blues Club
($40-$47) LCD Soundsystem @ Terminal 5
($55-$65) Billy Bragg – At Home In The City W/ Special guest Ben Sollee @ City Winery
Three Nights of The Funky Meters @ The Brooklyn Bowl (01.15-17.11)
This was an event! In the same spirit as Phanatics travel to Coventry for three nights of Phish, died hard Meters fans traveled far and wide to witness The Funky Meters magic occur over a span of three nights at the beloved Brooklyn Bowl in Brooklyn, NY.
For having never been to New York, I have never felt more at home in a brand new place. I can’t help but compare the room to the Rock N Bowl in New Orleans, a similar venue with a bowling alley and large stage for music, but this room has a great layout. A bar in the back, with a large dance floor area, the stage straight ahead. And to the side, a few steps up, rows of bowling lanes, with a walkway in front, providing a side stage vantage that lets one really feel like part of the performance. Everywhere you stand, there is a great vantage point of the stage, the lighting is good and the sound quality anywhere in the room was great too. ~ NOLA resident, Ananda Atmore
I was lucky enough to have the wonderful New Orleans photographer Jeffrey Dupuis (Jeffrey Dupuis Photography) as a house guest for the three night run. We arrived in Brooklyn just in time to grab something to eat some scrumptious $3.50 falafel sandwiches at Oasis, one of my favorite spots to hit before heading to The Brooklyn Bowl.
The turn out for a Tuesday night was exactly what we thought it would be. The venue was no where near sold out but the place was full of people who knew what was going to take place on stage that night. And what a great warm-up performance it was.
(Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
(Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
As they took the stage, each member had a blazing smile on their face and the audience was wild with applause. George Porter Jr. notices a couple in the audience wearing a “George Matters” tie-dyed tee shirt, the same shirt they had personally created and gifted to him many moons ago. “I recognize that shirt,” he states as he starts the first jam, which was so unbelievably funky.
The following four songs were from The Meters catalog. “The World” brought the funk full throttle as Brian Stoltz reminded me how much I had missed seeing him perform. He is truly superb with his rock-driven funk guitar styling. “Fire on The Bayou” and “Change/Reform” had the entire audience singing as they were the most recognizable Meters songs performed that night. Porter growled deeply into the microphone as they pounded out a wonderful “Here Comes the Jungle Man” that book-ended a “They Don’t Know” tease.
The noticeable covers of the night were Lee Dorsey‘s “Get Out of My Life, Woman”, Professor Longhair‘s “Going to Mardi Gras” and Tom Waits‘s “Way Down in the Hole”. Porter and Russell Batiste, Jr. both pulled out solos that earned their own spot in the set list! Art showed his age but with a smile on his face, he played through with energy and had a few golden moments himself.
Best reason to do three nights: Rare Songs ~ NOLA Photographer Jeffrey Dupuis
In the end, we were given almost two hours of pure Funky Meters gold and we all walked out of The Brooklyn Bowl terribly excited and putting together our wish list for tomorrow night’s set list!
Set List – Night I
A Jam*
The World Is A Little Under The Weather >
Chicken Strut >
…Fire On The Bayou >
Cardova >
Get Out Of My Life Woman >
Here Come’s The Jungle Man >
They Don’t Know (tease) >
Here Come’s The Jungle Man >
Change/Reform >
Hang ‘Em High >
Africa >
Going To Mardi Gras >
Cabbage Alley >
Going To Mardi Gras >
Porter’s bass solo >
Way Down in The Hole >
Russel Drum Clinic>
Just Kissed My Baby
Porter’s bass solo >
Just Kissed My Baby >
It Ain’t No Use
The second night had more of a turn out. People had heard the buzz about the previous night and the venue was now 60-70% full. My girlfriend, Ananda, was flying in from NOLA directly to the show. As she flew towards us to the airport, my NYC crew and I hightailed it from Rockwood Music Hall after watching Nigel Hall Band perform on their quaint stage. We all had our rage faces on as there would also be a third show we would be hitting after The Funky Meters. As well, we had the knowledge of knowing that the Nigel Hall Band would be joining The Funky Meters on stage later that night. The excitement was never ending.
I had flown in straight from New Orleans, made my way through the crowd of smiling faces. Instant reunion with Jam Cruisers, NOLA to NY music lovers and friends old and new. It was my turn to come to their town. Love was everywhere, and the hugs and smiles were abundant, on stage and off. ~ NOLA Resident, Ananda Atmore
Porter was wearing yet another form of tie-dye shirt and Batiste was in another sports jersey, this time white. The boys don’t stray too much from their signature styles. Just like their first night, they started off with songs from The Meters catalog with favorites like “Here Come The Meter Man” and “Look-Ka Py Py.”
“Love Slip Up on Ya” is a song specific to The Funky Meters catalog and Brian Stoltz once again blasted us with his masterful guitar. “Ride Me Dunky,” also a Funky Meters tune, saw Porter giving us his deep bass lines.
Stepping off stage for only a few moments, the fellas came on stage to perform “Be My Lady.” However, as amazing as they were alone, The Funky Meters show blasted out of control when the Nigel Hall Band took the stage for the remainder of the three-part encore. Nigel grabbed the microphone, Adam Deitch sat in on drums and Eric Krasno played a second guitar for Sly Stone’s “Sing A Simple Song” and “Higher.”
I heard the first few notes of a familiar song, and thought “could it be?”. Are they really going to play it? YES! It was “Be my Lady”! This is an old Meters song that I haven’t heard performed in several years now, and a long time favorite of mine. This was my golden musical moment, and hearing them perform this song made the whole trip worth it in one moment. ~ NOLA Resident Ananda Atmore
(Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
The energy on stage was palpable. Watching Eric Krasno play across from Brian Stoltz was magnificent. Two of my favorite guitarists having so much fun with each other on stage.Russell Batiste, Jr. banging on a cowbell, dancing all over the stage as he helped knock the energy up to another level. Art “Poppa Funk” Neville needed key changes shouted out a few times and then he left Nigel Hall to take over as he walked away for a breather and took the time to dance around to the music.
Set list – Night II
Here Comes The Meter Man >
Look-Ka Py Py >
Too Funky >
Bass intro Too >
Chug A Lug
Love Slip Up On Ya
Keep on Marching (Funky Soldier)
That Ain’t The Way to Carry On
Funkify Your Life
My Baby
Tipitina’
Hoo Chie Coo
Ride Me Dunky/Soul Island
Message From The Meters
People Say
Bass Intro too >
Big Chief>
Peace Pipe
Encore
Be My Lady
Sing A Simple Song*
Higher*
Them Changes*
Cissy Strut – tease*
Here we were, the third night of The Funky Meters. The house was packed and this time, I was going to rage front row, right under George Porter, Jr.. I had taken myself from the front of the stage the previous nights to write on the elevated side of The Brooklyn Bowl because I knew I would dance away from my responsibility of writing if I was up front. Again, he is my religion after all.
(Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
(Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
As I walked around the venue throughout the show, I ran into musicians like Nikie Glaspie who was utilizing a bowling with her friends. Henry Butler was standing amongst the crowd with a huge smile on his face. Joe Russo and Eric Krasno were watching from backstage while the owner himself, Pete Shapiro, positioned himself atop a speaker right on the side stage sucking the entire thing in with a beaming persona.
(Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
It started off the same as the nights previous. Batiste was wearing another green jersey, Porter was in yet another tie-die, Stoltz was in a button up with a few hipped out accessories. I forgot to mention his Kenny Rogers look he’s raging this tour. He pulls it off nicely! The tapers were out in full force. Sadly, even though I saw tapers each night, the third night was the only recording that could be found. Enjoy!
The funky foursome brought the heat immediately after a funky, funky warm-up jam got the night started right. Porter had his feet firmly planted into the ground as he put the bass in our face front row.
There was a KILLER Rock-a-billy vibe during “Big Boss Man”, a Luther Dixon song made famous by Jimmy Reed. They ran through “Simple Song” again, the Sly cover from the previous night. The crowd was on fire, singing along to everything, filling in the lyrics when Art couldn’t remember them as they barely got through The Allman Brothers‘ “Midnight Rider” where Stoltz saved the day with a ripping guitar solo.
We had a few repeats with “Funkify Your Life”, “Hoochie Coo”, “Fiyo On The Bayo”, “Junko Partner” and “Cabbage Alley” among others. All audience favorites that we didn’t mind hearing over and over again. “Aiko Aiko,” a James Crawford song made famous by the one and only Dr. John had the place erupting with dancing feet.
(Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
The entire night was so high energy and the event was capping off such a full week of funky New Orleans Love, it was just outstanding. Towards the end of the night, Eric Krasno, Nikie Glaspie and ?uestlove joined the stage for a percussion driven rage. Batiste, Glaspie and ?uestlove took turns beating the drums, the cowbell and just about anything else they could find to hit within their reach. Krasno was back on guitar facing off across Stoltz.
(Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
The encore saw Krasno leave the stage and then jump back on as they weren’t done with him yet. The wicked funky “Keep on Stretching Your Rubber Band” and “Audubon Zoo”, originally titled “All Asked For You” and changed by their manager, closed the three night run.
The 3rd night didn’t disappoint either. The set list speaks for itself really. They played again Sing a Simple Song, which had me on the front row jumping and smiling even more enthusiastically than before. And the encore of Keep on Stretching your rubber band. Pure Funky Meters magic. ~ NOLA Resident Ananda Atmore
The Funk Meter was off the charts this last night. Even though watching The Funky Meters is similar to watching Furthur, in the respect that they aren’t spring chickens anymore, they brought the FIYO to the Brooklyn Bowl the past three nights.
(Photo by Allison Murphy)
I watched as all the men got up, gathered in the center of the stage and bowed before us. Porter walked to the front of the stage and I got a smile and handshake from him as he continued down the line of people in the front row shaking hands and thanking the audience for coming. I might never wash this hand.
Allison Murphy caught Porter shaking my hand! (Photo by Alison Murphy)
The final part of this musical adventure placed me upstairs in the backstage area, shaking hands, hugging and taking pictures with George Porter Jr. It was a trio of nights that I will NEVER forget. I hope you enjoy(ed) the shows!!
Setlist: Night III
Jam >
Funky Miracle >
Funkify Your Life >
Rainy Day Women >
9 to 5
Hey Pocky Way >Cissy Strutt >
Love the one you’re with >
Hoochie Coo
He Bite Me (the Dragon) >
Voodoo Child* >
Fiyo on the Bayou >
Big Boss Man >
Aiko Aiko ^ >
Junko Partner >Midnight Rider >
Simple Song # >
Cabbage Alley >
Baby What you want me to do >
Hey Pocky Way
Encore
(Keep on Stretching) your Rubber Band
Audubon Zoo (All asked for you)
* w/ Billy Jean (Michael Jackson) tease
^ w/ She’ll be coming round the mountain
# w/ Krasno, ?uestlove, Nikki Galaspie
Royal Family After Party with Breakscience @ Cameo
Sunday, October 3rd, 2010
I suggest lots of sleep after The Royal Family Ball 😉
Monday, October 4th, 2010
($8) Jim Campilongo@ The Living Room
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
Tuesday, October 5th, 2010
(Free) Dred Scott Trio & THE BRIDGE @ Rockwood Music Hall
(Free) Mavis Staples @ Late Show with David Letterman
($32) Faith Evans @B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
($80 – $250) Roger Waters: The Wall Live @ Madison Square Garden
($25) Peter Yorn @ Bowery Ballroom
Wednesday, October 6th, 2010
(??) Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds @ Southpaw
(Free) Mavis Staples @ Colbert Report (TV)
($10) D.V.S. @ Club Love
($12.25) The EGG plus Sonic Spank @ Mercury Lounge
($20) Davell Crawford @ The Jazz Standard
($80 – $250) Roger Waters: The Wall Live @ Madison Square Garden
($35 – $50) Mavis Staples – “You are Not Alone” – Album Release presented by WFUV @ City Winery
($10) Mattson, Barraco & Friends @ Sullivan Hall
Jeff Mattson (DSO, Donna Jean Godchaux Band, Zen Tricksters) , Rob Barraco (DSO, Phil & Friends, Zen Tricksters) , Jason Crosby (Robert Randolph, Susan Tedeschi, Zen Tricksters) , Joe Chirco (Donna Jean Godchaux Band, David Nelson Band, Zen Tricksters) with opening act Easy Over
($44 – $128) Joshua Bell Performs Sibelius @ Avery Fisher Hall
Thursday, October 7th, 2010
(Free) Gorillaz @ The Late Show with David Letterman
($5) ?uestlove DJ Set @ Brooklyn Bowl
($10) Underground Horns “Big Beat” CD release Party @ Nublu
($10) Live Band Tribute to A Tribe Called Quest w/ Alphabet Soup @ Sullivan Hall
($10 – $27) Rosanna Cash @ Kaufmann Concert Hall
Upon the publication of Composed, Ms. Cash sits down for a conversation about her life in music.
($28.50 – $33.50) The Hold Steady @ The Beacon Theater
($30) Gil Scott-Heron @ B.B. Kings
($35) Fountains of Wayne @ Bowery Ballroom
($32 – $117) Joshua Bell, Debussy, Sibelius, and Lindberg @ Avery Fisher Hall
Friday, October 8th, 2010
(Free?) Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds @ Rockwood Music Hall 2
($5) Big Sam’s Funky Nation @ Brooklyn Bowl
Opener: Ikebe Shakedown
($10) Solange DJ Set @ Midnight
($20) Jackie Green @ Bowery Ballroom
($25) The Subdudes @ B.B. Kings
($35) Moe @ Beacon Theater
($35-$45) The Jazz Gallery Rent Jam hosted by Roy Hargrove @ City Winery (late Night)
($32 – $117) Joshua Bell, Debussy, Sibelius, and Lindberg @ Avery Fisher Hall
($50-$125) Gorillaz & Mos Def @ Madison Square Garden
Saturday, October 9th, 2010
(Free) West African Band @ St. Nicks, Harlem
(Free) Private Party @ Sullivan Hall w/ Lo & Aaron (GSW), Leroy Justice and Jaik Miller
($10-$12) Bustle In Your Hedgerow feat. Joe Russo, Marco Benevento, Dave Dreiwitz and Scott Metzger @ Brooklyn Bowl
($25) Mago – John Medeski & Billy Martin @ Rocks Off Cruise
Sunday, October 10th, 2010
($20) Corrosion of Conformity @ Highline Ballroom
Monday, October 11th, 2010
($8) Jim Campilongo@ The Living Room
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
($65 – $165) Mary J. Blige @ Radio City Music Hall
Tuesday, October 12th, 2010
(Free) Dred Scott Trio & THE BRIDGE @ Rockwood Music Hall
(Free) My Morning Jacket @ The Late Show w/ David Letterman
(Free) REEFER MOVIE MADNESS: THE ULTIMATE STONER FILM GUIDE BOOK RELEASE PARTY @ Brooklyn Bowl
($32 – $117) Joshua Bell, Debussy, Sibelius, and Lindberg @ Avery Fisher Hall
($65 – $165) Mary J. Blige @ Radio City Music Hall
Wednesday, October 13th, 2010
(Free) My Morning Jacket @ Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon
($7) Afro Funky Party w/ Zongo Junction, Top Shotta & DJ Offbeat @ Cameo Gallery
($10) R+D with Savoy (DJ), D.V.S*, NUTRITIOUS, MUNcee superjam and Mad Hatter @ Club Love
($10) Jessica Lurie Ensemble @ Brooklyn Lyceum
($12) Dawoud – Renegade Sufi Sitar! @ The Theater for the New City
($25) Ingrid Michaelson @ Best Buy Theater (Formally Nokia Theatre)
($32.59 – $39.50) The Avett Brothers @ Radio City Music Hall
Thursday, October 14th, 2010
(Free) Ben Folds @ Late Night w/ Jimmy Falon
($5) ?uestlove DJ Set @ Brooklyn Bowl
($10) Dred Scott Trio @ 55 Bar
($10) Apollo Run @ Union Hall
($25) Tom Tom Club @ Santos House Party
W/ Caravan of Thieves and The Tony Castles
($40 – $138) Pinchas Zukerman, Webern, and Brahms@ Avery Fisher Hall (NYPHIL)
Friday, October 15th, 2010
($5) The Trifect @ Sullivan Hall – FUUUUUSION!!!!
($5) M80 Dubstation Feat. Jon Gutwillig from The Disco Biscuits @ Brooklyn Bowl
($5) Brother Josephus & Josh Phillips Folk Festival @ Brooklyn Bowl
($36.20) Citizen Cope @ Terminal 5
($30-$45) Dar Williams & Toshi Reagon – Many Great Companions Tour @ City Winery
($32.50 – $35) John Hammond @ Rubin Museum of Art
($40 – $138) Pinchas Zukerman, Webern, and Brahms@ Avery Fisher Hall (NYPHIL)
Saturday, October 16th, 2010
(Free) West African Band @ St. Nicks, Harlem
($10) Tom Tom Club @ Brooklyn Bowl
($35 – $40) Air Supply @ B.B. Kings
($30-$45) Dar Williams & Toshi Reagon – Many Great Companions Tour @ City Winery
($36.20) Citizen Cope @ Terminal 5
($40 – $138) Pinchas Zukerman, Webern, and Brahms@ Avery Fisher Hall (NYPHIL)
($12) Eli Paperboy Reed & The True Loves @ Le Poisson Rouge
($25) UP ON THE RIDGE – Dierks Bentley @ Southpaw
@ Southpaw
($47.50) My Morning Jacket @ Terminal 5
($50-$90) Thievery Corporation @ Beacon Theater
(Starting @ $50) “A Celebration of Paul Newman’s Hole In The Wall Camps” @ Avery Fisher Hall @ Lincoln Center
Performances Will Feature a Line-Up of GRAMMY® Winning Musicians Including Hilary Hahn, Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, John Mellencamp, Keb’ Mo’ and Stevie Wonder With Appearances by Bill Cosby and Renee Zellweger
Friday, October 22nd, 2010
(Free) The London Souls @ The Brooklyn Academy of Music
($20 – $25) THE MONSTER MASH –> Fort Knox Five @ The Electric Warehouse w/ Woody McBride and Larry Tea
($25) Yonder Mountain String Band @ Best Buy Theatre (Formally Nokia Theater)
($47.50) My Morning Jacket @ Terminal 5
($50-$90) Thievery Corporation @ Beacon Theater
($60 – SOLD OUT) Phish @ Providence, RI @ Dunkin Donuts Center
Saturday, October 23rd, 2010
(Free) West African Band @ St. Nick’s Pub
(Free) Apollo Run @ Rockwood Music Hall 1
(Free) Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds @ Rockwood Music Hall 2
(Free) Kings of Leon @ Saturday Night Live (TV)
($10) The Breakfast @ Crash Mansion
($35-$60) Jakob Dylan @ City Winery
($40 – $100) Cheech and Chong @ The Beacon Theater
($42 – $48) Indigo Girls @ Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall
($47.50) My Morning Jacket @ Terminal 5
($60 – SOLD OUT) Phish @ Amhurst, MA @ Mullins Center
Sunday, October 24th, 2010
($8) Apollo Run @ Pianos
($35-$60) Jakob Dylan @ City Winery
($50 – $113) Steve Miller Band @ Beacon Theater
($60 – SOLD OUT) Phish @ Amhurst, MA @ Mullins Center
Monday, October 25th, 2010
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ The Delancey
(Free) Kings of Leon @ Late Show with David Letterman (TV)
($8) Jim Campilongo@ The Living Room
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
($35-$60) Jakob Dylan @ City Winery
Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
(Free) The Bridge @ Rockwood Music Hall
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall
($10) Talib Kewli @ Brooklyn Bowl
($40) Bad Religion @ Irving Plaza
Wednesday, October 27th, 2010
($??) Chico Mann @ Santos House Party
($25 – $35) Ollabelle @ City Winery
($25 – $153) Yo Yo Ma & Kathryn Scott @ Carnegie Hall
($40) Bad Religion @ Irving Plaza
Thursday, October 28th, 2010
($5) ?uestlove DJ Set @ Brooklyn Bowl
($10) The Mother Hips @ The Brooklyn Bowl
w/ Sean Walsh & The National Reserve
($20) Trouble & Bass @ Santos House Party
Ninja Tune XX (anniversary party): Amon Tobin, Kid Koala, DJ Food & DK, Poirier Toddla T & Serocee, DJ Kentaro, Eskmo
($42) Michael Franti & Spearhead @ Terminal 5
($50 – $90) Styx @ The Beacon Theatre
($70-$80) Deadmau5 @ Roseland Ballroom
Friday, October 29th, 2010
(FREE??) Dred Scott @ Smalls Jazz Club
($10) The Macpodz @ Sullivan Hall
($15) The Toasters & the Pietasters @ B.B. Kings Blues Club
($30) Ok Go @ Terminal 5
($37) Railroad Earth with Donna the Buffalo @ Irving Plaza
($40) Guster @ The Beacon Theater
($60 – SOLD OUT) Phish @ Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall
($70-$80) Deadmau5 @ Roseland Ballroom
Saturday, October 30th, 2010
($10) Jimkata, Papadosio and D.V.S. @ Sullivan Hall
($36) Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams @ The Gramercy Theater
($36-$40) Cypress Hill @ Besy Buy Theater (Formally Nokia Theatre)
($60 – SOLD OUT) Phish @ Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall
($70-$80) Deadmau5 @ Roseland Ballroom
Sunday, October 31st, 2010
($24) The Felice Brothers @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
($50) The Black Crowes @ Best Buy Theater (Formally Nokia Theatre)
($60 – SOLD OUT) Phish @ Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall
Musical Musings of a Tiny Rager 