NOSC: In da Club

New Orleans Social Club, June 4
at the 8X10 Club, Baltimore, Maryland

Recommended beverage:

Resurrection (on tap), a Belgian style brown ale

When, from behind the Hammond organ, Ivan Neville said to the extraordinary pianist Henry Butler sitting across from him, "Alright, Henry, let's take it uptown," I knew what was coming. Butler erupted into a full-throttle cover of "Tipitina," as his fingers flew over the keys and the emotion poured out of him. They would end that set with an incredible, funk-infused cover of Fogerty's "Fortunte Son."

The New Orleans Social Club, having headlined Swamp Romp at Wolf Trap the night before, played two long sets of all-out funk, blues, and a touch of gospel at Baltimore's 8X10 Club on Monday night. This music just filled the soul to the deepest depths. One wouldn't expect any less from these legendary artists, members of the Meters and the Neville Brothers, who formed this group after Hurricane Katrina hit. Some lost everything in the storm and some were forced to relocate, such as Butler who now lives in Denver. But their hearts forever lie in the music of New Orleans and they shared that passion with the packed room that night.

Thanks to Kimball for setting me up with tix and passes to the VA and Baltimore shows!