New Orleans Nightcrawlers: Funknicity

The New Orleans Nightcrawlers’ Funknicity (Rounder CD 2154 71:33) visits all the familiar brass band haunts, but unlike other well-trod musical real estate, New Orleans grooves, like Popeye’s, are something you don’t ever really get tired of. If the approach sounds familiar, don’t be surprised; Co-founder/keyboardist Tom McDermott contributed an arrangement to the Dirty Dozen Brass Band’s Jelly. There are some interesting interpretations, like a version of the Average White Band’s “Pick Up The Pieces” and sexist Ken “Snakebite” Jacobs inside out inflections. But overall, this is a flat out groove ride; just sit back and let the vibe flow through.

Originally Published March 1, 1998