The Meters | Vibepedia
The Meters, a seminal American funk band, are widely credited as pioneers of the funk genre. Comprised of Zigaboo Modeliste (drums), George Porter Jr. (bass)…
Contents
Overview
The Meters coalesced in New Orleans, a city already steeped in a rich musical tradition. Drummer Zigaboo Modeliste and bassist George Porter Jr. formed the rhythmic bedrock, their syncopated interplay a direct descendant of the city's vibrant second line parades. Guitarist Leo Nocentelli brought a distinctive, wah-drenched riffing style, while Art Neville, already a seasoned keyboardist, provided the harmonic and melodic sophistication. This core quartet, often augmented by saxophonist Darryl Oliver and percussionist Johnny Vidacovich in various iterations, quickly developed a sound that was both deeply rooted in New Orleans and strikingly original. Their early work was heavily influenced by the session work they performed for Cosimo Matassa's label, Jazz Ville Records, honing their tight, improvisational style in a professional studio environment.
⚙️ How It Works
The Meters' signature sound is a masterclass in minimalist funk, built on interlocking rhythmic patterns rather than traditional song structures. Modeliste's drumming is famously described as "the pocket," a seemingly effortless yet incredibly precise rhythmic foundation that allows for maximum groove. Porter Jr.'s basslines are melodic and propulsive, often mirroring or counterpointing Nocentelli's guitar riffs. Nocentelli's guitar work, characterized by its use of wah-wah pedals and percussive stabs, provided a sharp, angular texture. Neville's keyboards, ranging from Hammond B3 organ to clavinet, added layers of soulful harmony and infectious melodic hooks. Their arrangements prioritized space and repetition, allowing each instrument to breathe and contribute to an irresistible, hypnotic feel, a stark contrast to the more bombastic arrangements of some contemporaries like James Brown.
📊 Key Facts & Numbers
The Meters released four studio albums between 1969 and 1974. Their most commercially successful single, "Cissy Strut", reached #23 on the Billboard Hot R&B chart in 1969. The band performed an estimated 100-150 shows per year during their peak in the early 1970s. Their music has been sampled in over 1,000 songs by artists including Nas, Dr. Dre, and Run-DMC, with "Cissy Strut" alone appearing in hundreds of samples. The band has been nominated for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction four times, highlighting their enduring significance.
👥 Key People & Organizations
The core of The Meters comprised four instrumental virtuosos: Art Neville (keyboards), Leo Nocentelli (guitar), George Porter Jr. (bass), and Zigaboo Modeliste (drums). Neville, a New Orleans music legend, had prior success with hits like "Go On, Get Out of My Life" before forming The Meters. Modeliste's drumming is considered foundational to funk drumming, influencing generations of drummers. Porter Jr.'s bass playing is equally iconic, providing a melodic and rhythmic anchor. Nocentelli's distinctive guitar sound, particularly his use of the wah-wah pedal, became a hallmark of the band's sound. Beyond the core four, producer Allen Toussaint was instrumental in shaping their early career, guiding their sound and securing them performance dates at the Live 5 Studio.
🌍 Cultural Impact & Influence
The Meters' influence extends far beyond the funk genre, permeating hip-hop, jazz fusion, and rock music. Their instrumental tracks provided a fertile ground for hip-hop sampling, with their infectious grooves becoming the backbone of numerous classic rap tracks. Artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Primus have cited The Meters as a major influence on their own instrumental approaches. The band's sound is synonymous with New Orleans, embodying the city's unique musical spirit and contributing significantly to its global cultural cachet. Their work is a cornerstone of any serious exploration of American popular music in the late 20th century.
⚡ Current State & Latest Developments
Following Art Neville's passing in 2019, the original lineup of The Meters is no longer active. However, a splinter group, The Funky Meters, featuring original members George Porter Jr. and Zigaboo Modeliste (until his passing in 2023) alongside guitarist Brian Stoltz and keyboardist Russell Batiste Jr., continued to tour and perform their material. Leo Nocentelli has also continued to perform and record solo material. The legacy of The Meters is kept alive through continuous touring by musicians inspired by their work and through the enduring popularity of their recorded catalog, which sees regular reissues and continued streaming.
🤔 Controversies & Debates
A significant controversy surrounding The Meters involves the legacy and performance rights after Art Neville's death. While The Funky Meters, featuring original members Porter Jr. and Modeliste, continued to perform, Leo Nocentelli expressed dissatisfaction with the direction and representation of the band's legacy. Debates also persist regarding their relative mainstream success compared to contemporaries like James Brown, with some critics arguing their innovative sound was too unconventional for broader commercial appeal at the time, while others contend their influence far outweighs their chart performance. The ongoing discussion about their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction also highlights differing opinions on their historical significance.
🔮 Future Outlook & Predictions
The future of The Meters' music lies in its continued reinterpretation and sampling. While the original quartet will never perform together again, the spirit of their sound is alive in contemporary funk and soul revivalist bands, as well as in the ongoing work of artists who draw from their deep catalog. The potential for new archival releases or previously unheard recordings remains, offering further insights into their creative process. The enduring appeal of their instrumental prowess suggests their music will continue to be a touchstone for musicians seeking to master the art of the groove, ensuring their sound remains relevant for decades to come.
💡 Practical Applications
The Meters' instrumental compositions have found widespread application beyond the concert hall. Their music is a staple in film soundtracks, commercials, and television shows, often used to evoke a cool, laid-back, or distinctly New Orleans vibe. "Cissy Strut" has been featured in films like The Big Easy and Forrest Gump. Their tracks are also frequently used in dance classes, particularly those focusing on funk and hip-hop styles, due to their clear rhythmic structures and infectious energy. Furthermore, their music serves as a pedagogical tool in music schools, illustrating fundamental principles of funk rhythm and ensemble playing.
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