Ease Back

Recorded in New Orleans for The Meters' 1969 self-titled debut album, Ease Back featured Art Neville on organ, Leo Nocentelli on guitar, George Porter Jr. on bass and Zigaboo Modeliste on drums. Written by all four musicians and produced by Allen Toussaint and Marshall Sehorn, the instrumental emerged from the quartet's tightly coordinated ensemble playing and New Orleans recording sessions. Released on Josie Records in July 1969 as a single backed with Ann, Ease Back reached number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 20 on the Billboard R&B singles chart. Its syncopated drum patterns, economical guitar phrases, prominent bassline and organ accompaniment demonstrated the distinctive rhythmic approach that established The Meters as a leading New Orleans instrumental group. Ease Back remains an important recording from The Meters' early catalogue, demonstrating the spacious rhythmic interplay that influenced subsequent generations of musicians and producers. Its inclusion on compilations including Funkify Your Life: The Meters Anthology has helped preserve its reputation among DJs, collectors and listeners exploring the foundations of New Orleans funk.