Rejuvenation (CD - 1974)

Producers: Allen Toussaint, Marshall Sehorn.

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

Liner Note Author: Bunny Matthews.

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

REJUVENATION stands as both The Meters' shining moment and a quintessential funk album. Anchored by the rhythm section of bassist George Porter, Jr. and drummer Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste, this New Orleans institution also benefited from guitarist/resident jazzbo Leo Nocentelli's chicken-scratch picking and keyboardist Art Neville's soulful vocals. The Meters' time as producer Allen Toussaint's house band had an effect on REJUVENATION. Playing on Robert Palmer's SNEAKIN' SALLY THROUGH THE ALLEY led to a meeting with Little Feat's Lowell George, who took the band up on an invitation to appear uncredited on the rubbery funk of "Just Kissed My Baby." A session with Dr. John found The Meters nicking the drumbeat from his "Shoo Fly Marches On" and turning it into the Big Easy anthem "Hey Pocky A-Way." Elsewhere, female background vocalists give a sanctified aura to the gospel-flavored ballad "Love Is For Me" and a Sly Stone tint to the Santana-flavored epic "It Ain't No Use." For funk aficionados, the rumbling "Africa" (which was excellently interpreted by The Chili Peppers) remains the essence of REJUVENATION. minimize