The simple phrase leaves room for organ embellishments and the highly syncopated, second-line inspired drums and percussion (“Fire On The Bayou” and “People Say” are great examples of this). Porter usually begins with a distinctive line, often of just a few notes, that is enhanced by the accompanying swing of the rhythm guitar. Let’s Talk StyleĪs I visit and revisit some of the old Meters tunes, I can’t help but notice the greatest groove-inducing element: space. He currently continues to tour with The Runnin’ Pardners, The Funky Meters, and various other projects. He can be heard on records with Taj Mahal, Tori Amos, John Scoffield, Patti LaBelle, Albert King, David Byrne, Warren Haynes, Robbie Robertson, and many others. Although The Meters eventually decided to part ways in 1977, various members have reunited over the years, adopting names such as The Funky Meters and The Original Meters.Īfter the initial breakup of The Meters, Porter formed the band Joyride and continued to do session work.
During this time, Toussaint also called upon Porter and other members of The Meters to play on record dates for artists such as Lee Dorsey, Robert Palmer, and Dr. Many local club gigs and a few line-up changes later, the core group of Art Neville, Zigaboo Modeliste, Leo Nocentilli, and Porter signed a record deal with Allen Toussaint and changed their name to The Meters.ĭuring the early to mid 70’s, The Meters released a handful of records and hit the road, eventually opening for the Rolling Stones in 1975. In his late teens, he met Art Neville and was asked to join his band, Neville Sound. At a young age, Porter developed a friendship with drummer Joe “Zigaboo” Modeliste the two began jamming and playing local clubs. Although he initially played rhythm guitar, he made the switch to bass after meeting and having a few lessons from another New Orleans bass player, Benjamin “Poppi” Francis.
Growing up in a musical family, he was exposed to church choirs, jazz, and traditional New Orleans music.
0 kommentar(er)
