Funky Meters Live

Art Neville's longtime band the Meters (rechristened the Funky Meters in 1994) are captured live here at the 2000 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and their relaxed, yet often stunning performance--outdoors on a beautiful day, before a crowd of sun-worshippers--is a must-see for old fans and newcomers alike. Stretching 11 tunes over 90-plus minutes, the Funky Meters compositions have room to breathe while maintaining taut, disciplined funk rhythms and exploring the edges of blues, gospel, rock, and classic soul. "People Say" is bright, chipper fun, the epic "Africa" smolders, the delightful "Cissy Strut" has a lightness of touch paradoxically offset by a low but compelling rumble, and the fantastic "7 Desires"--a showcase for indefatigable guitarist and vocalist Brian Stoltz--is a warm, R&B ballad that might have suited the Temptations in another era. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, DVD extras include interviews with Neville and bassist George Porter, Jr. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)