View Full Version : Nevilles/Meters/Dr. John Mountain Winery Roll Call
DougNSharon
09-12-2008, 02:06 PM
So, who's going to the show at the Mountain Winery this Sunday, and does anyone have meet-up plans?
Should be a blast!
duende
09-12-2008, 03:24 PM
Wife and I will be there, and we're soooooo looking forward to it. This will be my first-time at the venue, and first time back for Mrs. Duende since the remodel, so if the veterans have a favorite place to congregate and wet our collective whistles, we're in. It'll be nice to see you all!
Scott
frangooch
09-12-2008, 03:38 PM
There will be four of us going. Will probably hang at the Bar and Grill before the show.
Note that there is preferred parking and easier access for "carpools", i.e., parties of more than 2.
MormonMatthew
09-12-2008, 03:48 PM
Hey Now Kids--- This is certain to be a hoodoo stompdown of epic scale; have a wild and wonderful time and give Art and George a sass-hoot from me!!!
Enjoy, and please let me know how it is..... Have a great time, Matthew
duende
09-12-2008, 03:56 PM
OK, who's going to bring the Fest flag? ;) I'm sure we can find a way to locate one another at the bar'n'grill - how early is everyone planning to show up?
frangooch
09-12-2008, 04:56 PM
OK, who's going to bring the Fest flag? ;) I'm sure we can find a way to locate one another at the bar'n'grill - how early is everyone planning to show up?
Hopefully half an hour or so before the show, but we're all pretty unreliable. Look for a cranky old bastard with beard and an aloha shirt. That would be me....
duende
09-12-2008, 06:18 PM
ha! if this line-up can't turn my curmugeonly frown upside-down, I don't know what could! I was gonna use that description myself - plus glasses & ponytail... but I might not wear the Hawaiian shirt now. I hate it when I'm at a party and see that someone else has worn the same outfit. :) See you there!
is this Meters minus Zig?
DougNSharon
09-12-2008, 06:58 PM
is this Meters minus Zig?
Funky Meters with Russell on drums and Ian on guitar is my understanding. However, it's also my understanding that Zig lives in Oakland at least some of the year and sat in with Dr. J at Yoshi's in San Francisco recently, soooooo....we can hope, right?
DougNSharon
09-12-2008, 07:01 PM
My wife and I are going but don't know the area that well. I'd say, "look for the couple in 'Fest shirts" but I'm thinking that won't rule too many people out!
Funky Meters with Russell on drums and Ian on guitar is my understanding. However, it's also my understanding that Zig lives in Oakland at least some of the year and sat in with Dr. J at Yoshi's in San Francisco recently, soooooo....we can hope, right?
good luck! will be an awesome show either way :)
MormonMatthew
09-12-2008, 08:17 PM
Hey Now--- I would also expect a guest appearance by Zig, as he seems to get along fine with George (who is actually Zigs cousin), Russell and Art. From what I know about the dynamics of the Meters, its Art and Leo who are at odds, and have been for many years.....
None the less, whoever is backing them, Art Neville and George Porter Jr. ALWAYS bring the funky goods--- I am sure you will be in for an amazing show!!!
Have a great weekend, Matthew
This is gonna be a slammin show!
Enjoy, No Cal TH's!!!
frangooch
09-13-2008, 03:03 PM
Funky Meters with Russell on drums and Ian on guitar is my understanding. However, it's also my understanding that Zig lives in Oakland at least some of the year and sat in with Dr. J at Yoshi's in San Francisco recently, soooooo....we can hope, right?
He's around. Also sat in with Taj Majal. One can hope...
Amy Winette
09-14-2008, 11:33 PM
Oh I love and miss the Mountain Winery! La Fondue before :)
frangooch
09-15-2008, 03:14 PM
GooD show! Might have been better, though. The (Funky) Meters smoked and Cyril was really good with them, I thought. George was El Funk. Dr John had some real gems, especially "They Call Me the Doctor", and was much stronger than the last time I saw him. The Nevilles played a lot tunes from the songbook that are favorites of mine (Brother John, etc), but I thought the set lacked the essential Neville energy. I don't know if it's age, or too long on the road, or whatever, but Aaron continually looking at his wristwatch while he sang the closing Amazing Grace kind of said it all. Highlights for me were Tipitina (Cyril on vocals) and Charles', Don't Mean a Thing if You Ain't Got That Swing. Aaron's best was Change is Gonna Come.
I have always had a special feeling for Art, but he did not look well last night, especially in the Neville's set. He should not be singing lead on Johnny B. Goode, that's for sure. Art is The King, but I hope he gets some well deserved rest.
Duende, sorry I missed you. I was at the Bar and Grille, as advertised. Hope you enjoyed the evening.
denideadhead
09-15-2008, 08:55 PM
Thanks for the review...
I heard the energy seemed off for the Nevilles set from another friend who was there...could it have been because people were leaving or were people leaving because of the set??
frangooch
09-15-2008, 09:15 PM
Thanks for the review...
I heard the energy seemed off for the Nevilles set from another friend who was there...could it have been because people were leaving or were people leaving because of the set??
Good point. It could have been because people were leaving (which I couldn't believe!). I couldn't figure if that was because of it being Sunday night, or a perceived lackluster set. Something was definitely missing though, and for sure, Aaron could not wait to get off the stage.
duende
09-15-2008, 10:47 PM
frangooch - I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to meet, but we had a great time. A little later arriving than I wanted - and then we wandered the grounds for a bit before the wife spotted the bar'n'grill on the hill. We got a couple of beers and wolfed down a burger in about 15 minutes, but the entire seating area was full by the time we figured it out. Still somehow made it to our seats to catch the funky meters start - it looked like a bunch of people showed up at 8 and missed the FM's and half of Dr. John's set.
Cyril with the funky meters was a definite highlight, and I really like the stripped-down Dr. John small band's funky grooves. I was just so glad to see the Nevilles that I was too blissed-out to complain much - but I see the little things like Art not getting his monitor mix to his liking the whole show, and that definitely messes with your singing voice and that was 2 sets he pulled, (I missed Aaron's clock-watching, tho'). The buggin' out to beat the crowd down the hill was unworthy of the headlining act, but I'm guessing a lot of the crowd goes to shows there often and supports the venue more than I do so I'll stop grousing about that. Art wasn't the only hard-working guy out there - I noticed David Barard doin' double-duty on bass with Dr. John and the Nevilles and privately wondered how consistent the personnel of the band is these days besides the brothers. BUt enough of that - I loved it.
I can't imagine what your seats were like as close as you were, but the sound was fantastic on the right side of the floor and there was room to dance in the aisle. I'm definitely returning to the winery! Here's what it looked like from our seats...
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g188/leftovered/misc/funkymeterswithcyril.jpg
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g188/leftovered/misc/nevilles.jpg
denideadhead
09-16-2008, 09:21 AM
David Barard :) good observation. The bass slot on the Nevs gigs has been in a little flux since Nick Daniels left to play with Dumpstaphunk fulltime.
Dr John was off for the summer so David took the gig from July to now. I am curious to see who next gets the seat.
Otherwise Makuna has been with them since Shane Theriot left a few years back, Micheal had been on keyboard before Ivan and came back after Ivan left for Dumpsta and Willie Green has been there almost always since the early days...I have yet to figure out why they can;t find a bass player that fits??
Thanks for the pics :)
MormonMatthew
09-16-2008, 01:22 PM
Hey Now--- Sadly, Art's health has not been great for several years, and it can, on occasion impact his playing to a negative affect.....
That being said, I would put his funky/soul hoodoo sound up there with anyone else laying down chops on the Hammond B3 any day of the week (twice on days ending with "Y") In short, Art Neville is the finest keyboard player living today, and every day he is around to share his Crescent City steeped musical brilliance with us is a fine day for music lovers everywhere!!!
He wont be around forever, so catch him while you have the chance, I am sure you will pleased with your decision....
God Bless Art Neville
freebo
09-19-2008, 12:54 PM
AMEN!