REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEOS: The Original Meters @ Voodoo Experience 2011

The Meters @ Voodoo Experience | 10/30/11 | Photo © Jimmy Grotting

The Meters’ show yesterday was perhaps the most highly-anticipated festival set of the year in New Orleans (up there with the Rads’ final Jazz Fest blow out) and the holy funk quartet did not disappoint, far exceeding expectations with an hour long funk session alongside a horde of special guests including Cyril Neville and members of Bonerama. Art’s voice was a bit hoarse, but the band managed to press on and find their groove in the fairly early going. Bass legend George Porter Jr. was the undoubted ring leader of the set, and each of his bandmates seized the opportunity to step up to the plate and deliver the goods. Plus, never have I seen such a large crowd of folks rocking out up on the side stage, making for quite a scene in the WWOZ tent.

The joy in the air from 6:15 to 7:15 was palpable and proved that this band is still very much alive and kicking, lending further proof to the injustice that is the very fact that these guys have somehow still not been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Like this Facebook page and spread the word). “Cissy Strut” opened the set that would include lengthy takes on “Fire On the Bayou”, “Ain’t No Use” and a killer guest spot by Cyril Neville, who was in the Park for his earlier appearance at Dr. John’s Sunday spectacle. After so many great shows throughout the weekend, the Meters put the exclamation point on my personal favorite Voodoo Experience (…and then, Fatboy Slim stamped another “!” on the weekend with a killer set), proving that they have very much still got it going on. Here’s hoping that this isn’t my last chance to see the original foursome playing together, but if it was, what a way to throw down.

No More Okey Doke (w/ Cyril Neville)

The Original Meters – No More Okie Doke – Voodoo Experience 2011 from Voodoo Experience on Vimeo.

Cissy Strut > Look A Py Py

The Original Meters – Ciss Strut Look A Py Py – Voodoo Experience 2011 from Voodoo Experience on Vimeo.

About the author

Wesley grew up in coastal Georgia and is a former resident of The Music City and The Big Easy where he helped get LMB NOLA off-the-ground after launching in January 2011. Over the past few years, he has also contributed steadily to JamBase and Relix Magazine. Recently, Hodges moved on to L.A. where Abita Beer is hard to find, costs about $6 if located and impromptu parading in the streets will most likely get you arrested on the spot.

 

Tags: art neville, Cyril Neville, Dr. John, George Porter Jr. Voodoo Experience, meters