School is back in session in New Orleans, and NOLA celebrated in a big way this past weekend. Students and local music lovers alike came out to The Howlin’ Wolf on Saturday, September 5th to attend Disorientation, a huge welcome back blowout. The event was headlined by New Orleans’ own Naughty Professor, fresh off a back-to-back sold out run on the road with The Revivalists. Disorientation was a fantastic experience for all who had the pleasure of attending. Five of the most talented young acts on the New Orleans music scene delivered a multitude of funky sounds to the two venues within The Wolf. All of the bands, whether new to the scene or relatively seasoned, seemed equally at home on The Wolf’s stage.
L4LM Premiere: Naughty Professor’s Funky ‘Brain Storm’ Live Footage
The night kicked off with Spare Change, a seven-piece alternative funk band that had the crowd on their feet and moving within seconds of beginning their set. Seven members strong, Spare Change are pretty new to the New Orleans music scene, yet they had no problem eliciting an outstanding reaction from Saturday’s crowd. The band’s unique sound is hard to pin down, but suffice it to say that your ears will thank you for taking the time to get acquainted with this fresh, young group with seriously eclectic influences.
Following Spare Change’s set, Sexy Dex + The Fresh took the stage in The Den, next door to The Wolf’s mainstage. An impressive crowd squeezed into the more intimate venue to watch them play as all in the room were quickly engulfed by Sexy Dex’s velvety and futuristic R&B sounds.
NOLA Staple Naughty Professor Makes Thrilling Tipitina’s Headlining Debut
Elysian Feel led a momentous performance, closing out their first week of album sales for their newly-released album, The Tree and the Tower. Making a name for themselves in New Orleans music circles for their energetic live performances and magnetic stage presence, Elysian Feel combine intoxicating guitar riffs, a tonic drum foundation, and stunning horn lines to create the perfect algorithm for a memorable experience.
The night ended with an unforgettable performance by Naughty Professor, one of the more prolific young groups to break onto the New Orleans music scene in recent years. Six members, seven instruments, and a robust repertoire of styles melded together to create a uniquely energetic live experience. Their individual talents are undeniable, and together their tunes are tight and cohesive. Guitarist Bill Daniel, bassist Noah Young, and drummer Sam Shahin brought full-fledged funk and rock grooves to the stage, while the “Naughty Horns”, John Culbreth, Nick Ellman and Ian Bowman, emphasized funk and high-energy jazz elements in each song.
Those who stuck around late-night were treated to a musical nightcap in the Den courtesy of DJ David D’Angelo and saxophonist Reverend Yogi.
Riding on Naughty Professor and company’s entrancing sounds and captivated from start to finish, everyone at The Howlin’ Wolf experienced one hell of a Saturday night.
-Words By Amanda Minchella and Emily Ferretti, Photos by Emily Ferretti