Foundation of Funk

Foundation of Funk is a performance ensemble conceptualized by Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste, a celebrated drummer and vocalist recognized for his innovative rhythms and his role as a founding member of The Meters. In 2015, Modeliste partnered with George Porter Jr., the bassist from The Meters, establishing the core rhythm section. This collaboration, enriched by guest musicians from the funk and jam traditions, offers a dynamic interpretation of The Meters’ musical legacy, with each performance presenting a distinct experience. In 2018, The Meters received the GRAMMY “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Recording Academy.

Over the years, Foundation of Funk has included a variety of notable guest artists. These have included Ivan Neville, Ian Neville, Tony Hall, Anders Osborne, Eric Krasno (Soulive & Lettuce), Jimmy Herring (Widespread Panic), John Medeski, Jon Cleary, Neal Evans (Soulive), Eddie Roberts, Joe Tatton, and Jojo Herman. A significant event in their history was a collaborative performance at the Lockn Festival in Virginia in 2019, where they were joined by members of Dead & Company, including Bob Weir and John Mayer, for an improvisational session. The influence of The Meters’ sound extends across popular music, with their drum patterns and musical fragments sampled by numerous hip-hop artists. This includes artists such as Musiq Soulchild, Queen Latifah, Run DMC, NWA, Ice Cube, Salt N’ Pepa, Cypress Hill, EPMD, Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, Beastie Boys, and Eminem.