Critic's Pick: George Porter Jr.

The music that New Orleans bassist George Porter Jr. made with The Meters in the 1970s defined funk for succeeding generations of players who searched for the secret hidden in funk’s groove. As a mostly instrumental band on their early records, The Meters sounded like a group that knew how to warm up in the most creative manner. Along with drummer Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste, keyboardist Art Neville and guitarist Leo Nocentelli, Porter inhabited a groove that was both precise and oblique. After The Meters split in 1977 — the band attempted to get into disco in the ’70s, with interesting results — Porter formed his group Runnin’ Pardners, which explores the many variations of New Orleans funk and R&B. Porter has also worked with Peter Gabriel, New Orleans guitarist Snooks Eaglin and jazz-funk guitarist John Scofield, and The Meters provided expert backing for New Orleans singer Lee Dorsey and R&B group Labelle. When I’ve seen Porter perform — most memorably with Eaglin, with whom he laid down the most supple and supportive of grooves — he’s exemplified the audacity and restraint that characterize the funk genre. Saturday’s show at Eastside Bowl features Porter with bassist Kevin Scott and keyboardist Peter Levin, and it will benefit Nashville wildlife rehabilitation center Vermin Sanctuary. 

7:30 p.m. at Eastside Bowl

1508 Gallatin Pike S.