The Meters / CA, USA – July 21, 1975 (Soundboard Edition)

Here comes the debut release of a scorching—nay, white-hot—live performance from The Meters during their absolute prime! This recording captures the era when they established their signature New Orleans “second-line funk” groove—a period spanning the albums *Fire on the Bayou*, *Trick Bag*, and *New Directions*. It features superb, high-fidelity soundboard audio. We are unleashing a knockout double-shot of funk gold: a nearly complete, 80-minute recording of their July 21, 1975, show at The Boarding House in San Francisco—right around the release of *Fire on the Bayou*, often cited as their masterpiece—meticulously remastered by the label for top-tier sound quality. The setlist is a whirlwind of intensity, featuring signature tracks like “Fire on the Bayou,” “Africa,” “Look-Ka Py Py,” “Cissy Strut,” “People Say,” and “Hey Pocky A-Way,” alongside covers such as Manassas’s (Stephen Stills) “Love the One You’re With” and Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready.” The sound is deceptively simple—just drums, bass, guitar, and organ—yet it delivers an inimitable groove. Funky rhythm guitar and solid Hammond organ lines intertwine with a sticky, deep-pocket rhythm section. While staying true to the essence of funk, they infuse it with the unique New Orleans “second-line” feel—a style that captivated fans worldwide, from casual listeners to music connoisseurs. (For context, “second-line rhythm” derives from traditional New Orleans brass band parades; the term “second line” refers to the formation of marchers following the main band.) A powerful, classic album from The Meters—an iconic force that stars like Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones all clamored to collaborate with—is finally here! Recorded Live at The Boarding House, San Francisco, CA, USA, July 21, 1975. Tracks: Fire on the Bayou, Love the One You’re With, Africa, Talkin’ ‘Bout New Orleans, People Get Ready, People Say, Ain’t No Use, Cissy Strut, Hey Pocky A-Way, Chug-a-Lug, You Are My Sunshine, Look Out Joe, Reggae Sunday, I Gave My Love a Cherry (fades out). Soundboard recording (EX quality, 76 min). Lineup: Art Neville (vocals, keyboards), Leo Nocentelli (guitar), George Porter Jr. (electric bass), Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste (drums), Cyril Neville (percussion, vocals).