Papa Grows Funk returns with its most collaborative effort yet, as Needle in the Groove boasts a whopping three producers — including Louisiana legend Allen Toussaint — and a set of songs composed together as a group. You May Also Like: John ‘Papa’ Gros – River’s On Fire (2016)

We were reminded of Kool and the Gang’s rump-shaking joys all over again when they were invited to serve as opening act on Van Halen’s ongoing reunion tour. You May Also Like: James Taylor – ‘One Man Band’ (2007; 2019 reissue) Barista – ‘Open Sesame Vol. 2: Press Rewind’ (2021)

Check out a new song from Earth Wind and Fire in advance of the new Legacy Recordings collection Now, Then and Forever. “Guiding Lights,” to be included in the set, provides a taste of what’s to come from a promised 2012 studio album — the band’s first since 2005. YouRead More

Deeply wounded by the way his hometown drowned in the wake of Katrina, Dr. John has spent the last few years railing against The Man. But he’s never sounded so focused, so full of both piss and vinegar. You May Also Like: The Black Keys Hit Upon the Right RootsyRead More

In characterizing the music of the deliberately elusive collective Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber, one can come up with a whole host of made-up genres and still not quite nail what they sound like. You May Also Like: Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber – ‘Angels Over Oakanda’ (2021) Biscay –Read More

VH1 will pay tribute to “Soul Train” creator and founder Don Cornelius with a Friday, February 3rd re-airing of the Emmy-Award nominated documentary “Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America.” You May Also Like: Brian Groder Trio – R Train on the D Line (2016) Nick Frater – ‘Full FathomRead More

Disco had its moments, even amidst dark days when pointing straight up counted as a dance move.

The so-called Sound of Philadelphia, as constructed by Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Thom Bell in the 1970s, wasn’t just attitude, in the style of today. Wasn’t just talk, but also a new walk. A shared attitude. A sound. You May Also Like: Marc Ribot + The Young Philadelphians –Read More

This song, produced by Mark Ronson as part of the “Re:Generation” project, is like a neutral-ground hang, a crawfish boil, and a Saints tailgating afternoon rolled into one. That legendary drummer Zigaboo Modeliste is at the center of things should come as no surprise. But producer Ronson, best known forRead More

George Porter Jr., original bassist with the Meters, will be this year’s recipient of OffBeat magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Music, during ceremonies to be held January 27 at Generations Hall in New Orleans. You May Also Like: Billy Porter, “For What It’s Worth” (2020): One Track Mind Dr. John’sRead More