NolaFunk Lagniappe

The Radiators: Serving Up 30 Years of Tasty Tunes

The Radiators became a vital part of the revival of the New Orleans music scene that saw the development of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the birth of the city’s premier music club Tipitina’s. The band has played with many legends of the New Orleans music scene. They’ve performed with the likes of Professor Longhair, Jessie Hill and Ernie K-Doe, as well as being Earl King’s regular back-up band for many years.

The Radiators on Conan - Smokin' Hole

Always a favorite party band of college students throughout the eighties, The Rads toured at length all over the U.S., often playing 4 night stands at New York City’s famed The Lone Star Cafe… Signed by Epic Records in 1987, they released 3 studio albums, which received extensive radio play. Their live shows are noted for their soulful and enthused improvisations. Guest musicians such as Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Bob Weir, George Porter, Jr. and Maceo Parker have been known to have sit in on occasion. Volker and Malone split vocal and writing responsibilities, with the bulk of the tunes written by Volker.

The Meters





Musical Stew Daily's: The Meters — Tour Of The Americas (1975)

This show catches The Meters white hot as they are opening up for The Rolling Stones on their 1975 Tour Of The Americas. I don’t have the specific date or location on this show, so any help would be appreciated. Enjoy!

Home of the Groove's "Movers and Shakers With The Big "Q" Factor"

Today's tracks come from sessions produced by the great Wardell Quezergue in the mid-1960s featuring two undeservedly obscure artists, Guitar Ray and Sammy Ridgley. Though neither of these song about dancing is funk-related or has an identifiable New Orleans sound, their strong, move-motivating grooves are undeniable. It's hard to understand why the records didn't get these guys some recognition, at least in New Orleans. Blame it on the vagaries of the music business, and the small, under-funded labels with no clout that put them out. My introduction to both tunes was on the Funky Delicacies/Tuff City 2002 double CD compilation of Quezergue productions, Sixty Smokin' Soul Senders, which was/is a good resource for hearing some very hard to find sides, despite the poor condition of some of the vinyl sources and inadequate mastering on the analog to digital transfers. Having heard them first was a great help when I chanced on auctions for the 45s, as I knew they were well worth pursuing.

Professor Longhair









Second Line Social blogs about New Orleans R&B...



Relix Band on the Verge: Big Sam's Funky Nation

BIG BAND FUNK

Big Sam Williams has backed Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint, appeared on VH1’s Soul Cities and jammed with everyone from Chris Robinson to actor Anthony Anderson. But hanging with celebrities hasn’t softened the trombonist’s big band, Big Sam’s Funky Nation. “I think Peace Love and Understanding is a little harder-edged,” Williams says of his most recent release. “Our first album was more jazz-oriented and the second album has more of a funk vibe. But with this album, we get down to some funky rock in line with the sound we have been playing live.” Williams, who cut his teeth in The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, originally envisioned the Funky Nation as a side project, but eventually made the difficult decision to pursue his band full-time. “Those guys in the Dozen are my role models, but Funky Nation could never do a gig like ACL if I was still on the road 300 days a year.” His gamble paid off: Not only has Big Sam’s Funky Nation scored spots at festivals like Bonnaroo and Voodoo, but they’ve made a splash on the Hollywood circuit. “Anthony Anderson didn’t want to get off the stage [laughter]. We finished at like two in the morning and he was still up there on the piano.”


Bingo! Parlour Profile #6: ZYDEPUNKS

Innovators, rebels, and survivors. Despite the turbulent times in Louisiana's recent history, the Zydepunks have grown from their New Orleans home to be a regional and international phenomenon. Yiddish riddles, Irish ballads, Cajun punk, and vocals in six languages are a small demonstration of why they astound new audiences. Wild folk dances fronted by accordion and fiddle and backed by relentless drums and bass are a testament to the high-energy folk-punk dance craze that is a Zydepunks show. The Zydepunks' new release FINISTERRE is the culmination of years of musical experience and the honing of their unique folk/punk sound. Massachusetts label Nine Mile Records (NMR) is releasing this highly anticipated album nationally ­on October 21, 2008. With FINISTERRE, the Zydepunks are releasing an album featuring original material that draws from their various folk influences and punk rock roots. Slavic rhythms, French melodies, songs in three languages (Spanish, English, French) and punk rock beats combine with often dark lyrics reflecting their experiences from the last few years, while tracks written by drummer Joseph Lilly break the folk boundaries and push the band into an entirely new sound.

Twilightzone's post on "SATURDAY NIGHT FISH FRY" - New Orleans Funk And Soul

"SATURDAY NIGHT FISH FRY" - New Orleans Funk And Soul VA

In brief:

On his new CD, Lafayette slide guitarist Sonny Landreth gets a little help from Clapton, Knopfler, Buffett and Gill

DJ Soul Sister's positive spin carries over from the Essence Festival to her birthday celebration

'Festival New Orleans' brings sounds of Louisiana to London