My guest today is Mr. George Porter Jr. George is best known for being the bassist for the “architects of funk” - The Meters, the funkiest band to ever come out of New Orleans and, for that matter, anywhere. His basslines get under your skin and won’t let go. Along with Zigaboo Modeliste on drums, Art Neville on keys and Leo Nocentelli on guitar, The Meters invented a type of funk that has been widely copied (and sampled) for many years now. 

The day this interview took place I was back in New Orleans recording on a couple of projects, and we just happened to be on one session together. I’ve known George for years and I mentioned how I started this podcast and wanted to interview him while I was in town for a few days. Knowing I was short on time, George graciously suggested that we do it that night after the session. 

In the interview I ask George about his influences, what he looks for in a drummer, trivial questions on various Meters folklore, why Paul McCartney said George was his favorite bass player, Allen Toussaint sessions, the proper way to play “Cissy Strut”, unison guitar/bass lines,etc…OH…and we play a lot of stuff together. Hope you enjoy. 

Recorded at the Parlor Studio, New Orleans, LA - Feb 2016.

On a session-
L to R- Shane Theriot (guitar), George Porter Jr. (bass), Johnny Vidacovich (drums) and Sonny Landreth (slide guitar)