Meters Fire On The Bayou CD

The Meters released FIRE ON THE BAYOU shortly before embarking on the Rolling Stones' 1975 tour as an opening act. Essentially a love letter to the band's New Orleans hometown, the album also heralded the arrival of fifth member Cyril Neville, younger brother of keyboardist Art. His additional vocals added a soulful edge to songs such as the brassy "Out In the Country" and the crackling "Talkin' Bout New Orleans." Other numbers honoring the Big Easy include the choppily funky title track, a peppy cover of Jody Levens' "Mardi Gras Mambo," and the rollicking "They All Ask'd for You," a novelty song based on an old New Orleans lullaby.

Elsewhere, The Meters travel down some interesting creative avenues, notably in the cool ambiance of "Middle of the Road," an instrumental honoring guitarist Leo Nocentelli's jazz heroes, and a rhythmically rich cover of Argent's "Liar." Much of FIRE ON THE BAYOU is defined by all five members randomly slipping in and out of the rhythm, resulting in laid-back funk such as "Love Slip Upon Ya" and "Can You Do Without?" Less than two years after this seminal album, the Meters broke up; the Neville Brothers emerged from their ashes.

Worldwide CD debut of New Orleans funk classic originally released in 1975. Includes one bonus track 'Running Fast' (Long Version). 2000 release. Standard jewelcase.

Recorded at Sea Saint Recording Studio, New Orleans, Louisiana. Originally released on Reprise (2228). Includes liner notes by Bunny Matthews.

Personnel: Leo Nocentelli (vocals, guitar); Arthur "Red" Neville, Art Neville (keyboards); Ziggy Modeliste (drums); Cyril Neville (congas, percussion).

Audio Remixers: Ken Laxton; Marshall Sehorn.

Liner Note Author: Bunny Matthews.

Recording information: Sea-Saint Recording Studio, Inc., New Orleans, LA.

The Meters: Leo Nocentelli (guitar); Arthur Neville (keyboards); George Porter, Jr. (bass); Joseph Modeliste (drums); Cyril Neville (congas).

Producers: Allen Toussaint, Marshall Sehorn.

Q (8/00, p.120) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Confirms that greatness is in the house..."
Living Blues (5-6/01, pp.91-4) - "...Flawlessly funky and one of the best soul LPs to come out of New Orleans..."
Mojo (Publisher) (8/00, p.115) - "...Continued their astue blend of social soul...showcasing newcomer Cyril Neville's vocals on the title song, and had a nod back to Art's roots in a faithful cover of 'Mardi Gras Mambo'....still sounds great 25 years on..."