The Original Meters Reunite at Jazz Fest

By I Apr. 24, 2005

In what was probably the last time they will ever play together, the original Meters—Art Neville, George Porter, Leo Nocentelli and Zigaboo Modeliste—reunited at the Jazz Fest yesterday, giving local music fanatics the show they’ve been hoping for for 20 years or more. Opening with “Fire on the Bayou,” Nocentelli played a more jam-filled set than his live recordings would lead you to expect, leading the group in riffs and loopy trills. As the crowd sprawled out beyond the limits of the Sprint stage and onto the track, the bad blood between band members seemed to fade (the Meters broke up when Neville left the band he’d started and formed the Neville Brothers). The band played a selection of their hits, including “Cissy Strut,” and “Hey Pocky Way,” to a crowd peppered with t-shirts reading “Live at Tip’s: the Meters” and “George Matters.” A live recording of the show is available online at www.jazzfestlive.com and at the Fairgrounds.

Earlier in the day, local reed man, Robert Wagner heated up the jazz tent with a set from his trio, which includes bassist, James Singleton and drummer, Ocie Davis. Wagner, who has been playing all over New Orleans for more than a decade, seems to have finally found his ideal lineup in Singleton, whose bowing sometimes caught up to Wagner’s melodies and Davis, whose New Orleans street rhythms brought out Wagner’s inner funk.

During a light and traditional Ellis Marsalis set in the Jazz Tent, trombonist Delfayo Marsalis, who has spent more time behind the control board than on the stage in recent years, blew the crowd away with fluid solos and percussive harmonies. Other highlights included Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers, the tight of funk of Big Sam’s Funky Nation and a memorable set from Louisiana native, Buddy Guy.

Today’s hot acts include 007, a local reggae dance band, Irvin Mayfield and the N.O. Jazz Orchestra and other Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Join the ‘Fest virtually at www.wwozfm.org, which is broadcasting live from the Fairgrounds every day through next weekend.