A LOOK BACK: FOUNDATION OF FUNK Live Review and Concert Photos | Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox Denver, CO | February 10, 2017

by Austin Johnston • May 23, 2017

Bands and Venues come in many different shapes and sizes but in this case there is a seamless match. This is my first time seeing a show at Ophelia’s in Denver. It is a great funk venue with plenty of viewing and dancing space for a sold out show. I’ve had many experiences with these band members on separate occasions, but this is my first with these members as a whole. It is difficult to craft my expectations, though. With such a diverse and accomplished lineup, I’m eager to see who would influence the stage the most.

Bass player George Porter Jr.’s funk legacy, grown in New Orleans, was prominent. His long-time drummer, Zigaboo, accompanied George in the funk fest. Both hail from legendary funk band The Meters, and even though some time has passed since the disbandment, the energy they had between them was not tempered. One word to describe the energy from the rhythm section would be joy. Zigaboo was vocal and on-point. George was in the pocket with him the whole time. Though there were about four decades of chemistry between the two, this wasn’t just another day in the office.

There were a couple of curveballs on-stage; these two balls were Eddie Roberts and John Medeski. Familiar? If not, the New Mastersounds’ front man/guitar player, Eddie Roberts, brought funky grit with his pick, as well as his high-class attire to add that touch of modern. John Medeski, most known for his fusion jazz playing in Medeski Martin & Wood, kept up with the classy attire of Roberts and also made his own stand through his playing.

As a group, the Foundation of Funk crushed the stage. They seamlessly flowed through genres right off the bat. Warming up, George and Zigaboo smiled as they led the way with the classic “Cissy Strut” Following that, they lifted everyone into the feel good grooves of classic New Orleans, then finishing with a modern funk heavy rock out led by Roberts and Medeski.

Foundations of Funk Live Review by Austin Johnston.
Foundations of Funk Live Concert Photos by Matthew Wright.