Definition:
The Meters (album) refers to a music album titled The Meters, released by the American funk band The Meters.
Overview:
The Meters (album) is the debut studio album by The Meters, a funk band formed in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was originally released in 1969 under the Josie Records label. The album features instrumental tracks that showcase the group's tight rhythmic grooves, syncopated bass lines, and distinctive New Orleans funk style. It laid the foundation for the band's influence on the development of funk and later genres such as hip-hop and jam bands.
Etymology/Origin:
The album is titled The Meters, after the name of the band itself. The band's name is said to originate from the New Orleans term "meter maid," referencing parking enforcement officers, though the exact reasoning for the choice remains speculative. The album title thus serves as a self-titled introduction to the group.
Characteristics:
The album is primarily instrumental, blending funk, R&B, and soul. Key tracks include "Sophisticated Cissy" and "Cissy Strut," both of which became influential in the funk genre. The rhythmic interplay between drummer Zigaboo Modeliste and bassist George Porter Jr., along with the keyboard work of Art Neville and guitar of Leo Nocentelli, is a defining characteristic. The production emphasizes groove and feel over vocal content, a hallmark of early Meters recordings.
Related Topics:
- The Meters (band)
- New Orleans funk
- Josie Records
- Cissy Strut
- Funk music
- George Porter Jr.
- Art Neville
- Leo Nocentelli
- Zigaboo Modeliste