Customer Reviews

Moodoo

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With George Porter, Russell Batiste and Brian Stoltz, it is hard to go wrong, but their first album (Expanding the Funkin' Universe) didn't quite impress me as much as I expected. Don't get me wrong-- it was good, but with that combo, I expected to be blown away, and I wasn't. This album moves closer to the full potential of this New Orleans supergroup. They are looser, funkier, a bit more exploratory, and Brian Stoltz's scorching guitar work adds a bit more of a bluesy edge to this one compared to their first album. That suits me just fine.

I expected the presence of Phish keyboard player Page McConnell to take them closer to Phish-type noodling. While I like a lot of jam bands, Phish was never my favorite, so Page McConnell's presence made me a bit nervous. However, his presence on this album doesn't alter the sound when he appears. PBS stick pretty much to straight New Orleans funk with a rock edge. The flip side is that if you are a Phish fan hoping for some Phish-type playing here, you won't find much of it.

This album is another fine addition to the impressive catalog of uber-bassist George Porter, and further proof that Brian Stoltz will be the logical heir to Leo Nocentelli. Oh yeah, and Russell Bastiste is always on. What is it about New Orleans hogging all the best drummers?

Further listening: Papa Grows Funk, John Gros' solo album, the Johnny Vidacovich/George Porter/June Yamagishi trio album, Stanton Moore, Galactic, Shane Theriot, Robert Walter...