I first shared this in 2009, and then possibly again just a few years ago. I decided to share it one more time as it is 17 years to the day and if you are unaware, the one and only Tipitina's, this legendary landmark club is doing everything they could to stay open.
If you like this music, maybe you can find it in your heart to help out. Maybe you'd like some Tip's merch, or feel like streaming one of their live shows. They also just started the Tipitina's Record Club where you can sign up and receive exclusive vinyl and performances from Professor Longhair, James Booker, Galactic and more. Or, you can simply say hello to Mr. DeBucket, Mr. Phillip DeBucket, and toss a few bucks in just to help keep things moving in the right direction. Go to Tipitina's.com and in the upper right you'll see "All Things Tips" with your options. Please do what you can.
Now the story:
In short, this is one of the single greatest New Orleans moments I have ever experienced. The scene is New Year's weekend, 2003. I had been in New Orleans a few days already, spent New Year's Eve at the House Of Blues with Jon Cleary, experienced parades, fireworks, food, drink, and the usual Crescent City spontaneity that keeps you on your toes. This was a truly incredible week that was coming to a close. I had one more night of music.
The show was billed as M.V.N.P..
The lineup:
Drummers extraordinaire Stanton Moore & John Vidacovich,
Bass- George Porter Jr.,
Keys- Ivan Neville and Special Guest-Cyril Neville
Got to Tipitina's about 9:45 and the place was less than half full. Bad for the band. Perfect for me. Before I go any further, let me just say that as a drummer, watching these two New Orleans' treasures at work is both spiritual and outright frustrating. Their abilities astound me and at the same time, make me want to sell my sticks and by a kazoo. It is now 10:15 and James Brown's "The Payback" is cranking on the loud speaker. It's hard not to move along with the music. Stanton Moore takes the stage first, gets behind his kit, and starts to get comfortable. He starts to play along with "The Payback." Then, George Porter plugs in, and does the same. Next, Ivan Neville. The sound guy fades out James and the seamless transition to the band is complete. We now have M., N., and P. kicking things off with their own "Payback" groove. At about 1:16 into track one, you can hear Johnny V. joining in and the tune explodes. What you now have are four of New Orleans finest musicians doing what they do best. The show is loose, to say the least. I'm not really sure the band knew what was coming next. But watching this unfold as the crowd got larger and the band got hotter, was exactly the type of night you usually only hear about in New Orleans.
HERE IS THE FIRST SET.
Payback Jam
Fun To Play The Drums
On The Right Track
Same Thing
Jack Shee
Too Rude
Sick & Tired
Just Kissed My Baby
Welcome To New Orleans
Reform
Chicken Strut
I'd like to thank Richard and Stanton for this wonderful tape that came to me just a few weeks into 2004.
7 comments:
"this is one of the single greatest New Orleans moments I have ever experienced"
hardly faint praise! it must be great to finally have a copy -- thanks for the zip . . . i will give a listen!
Sweet Jesus on a Triscuit, this is some good stuff. Thanks for sharing
outstanding!
demands a couple of listens -- multiple layers, very cool indeed!
who's singing the "playing my drums" song?!?
and is it stanton on the left and johnny v on the right?
That's Johnny V. on "Fun To Play The Drums," and he is on the left. Glad you're digging it.
Was at that same show! Looking forward to reliving it - thx! Johnny V released a new EP in 2020. Very reminiscent of Astral Project (and also very good). As best as I can tell, its digital only and available at the usual places.
Awesome, can't wait to check this out. I need me some N'Awlins.
Thank you for kicking off the new year with this New Orleans magic!
Captain Al
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