Ask any architect or construction crew and they’ll tell you nothing they design or build will last without a solid base. When it comes to matters of funk you can’t find a more solid foundation than bassist George Porter Jr. and drummer Zigaboo Modeliste, the rhythm section of The Meters. The dynamic duo have been playing with an ever changing cast of all-stars as Foundation Of Funk over the last few years, and teamed with John Medeski from Medeski, Martin and Wood and Eddie Roberts from The New Mastersounds at the recent Bear Creek Bayou.
Porter and Modeliste helped write the definitive story of the funky back beat with a style often imitated but never duplicated. With big splashy cymbal crashes and syrupy sweet the partnership has endured for five decades for a reason… nobody does it better. Joined by the wizard of the keys John Medeski who delighted listeners and his fellow players with his straight from the soul runs on his organ. Filling the final slot guitarist Eddie Roberts showcased the slinky lead lines that have earned him accolades on multiple continents, effortlessly slipping from support to the front line.
Celebrating a rebirth in New Orleans, the Bear Creek Bayou brought together an amazing array of talent for a two day funk-a-thon with dozens of the acts that had the crowd in a state of perpetual motion. Our own Rex Thomson has just received permission to share a slew of videos from the two sets by this amazing line up that includes Meters classics, a guest appearance by noted sax player Khris Royal and even a nod to Professor Longhair. Whether in the office, on your phone or safe at home turn the music up and get down to the sounds of the Foundation Of Funk!
“Rolling Stone”
“Whatcha Say”
“Cissy Strut”
“Hey Now Baby”
“People Say”