In an era of music when imitation is as important as innovation, Billy Iusoshows his ability to do both while maintaining a sound that has developed a solid identity within New Orleans music. The title track—“Trippin’ Over Dragons”—may induce a few ’60s acid flashbacks with its psychedelic introduction featuring Iuso’s electric guitar arpeggios and Ivan Neville’s funky clavinet riffs. The intro gives way to an animated and catchy funk/rock chorus heavy in syncopated guitar and drumbeats. While it is most certainly the track with the most commercial appeal, “Trippin’ Over Dragons” is only one of many gems on the record.
Iuso set his bar high, covering songs by guitar legends Eric Clapton and Peter Townshend. In “The Core,” Iuso uses the same guitar riff as Clapton’s version, but he takes away the chords, giving room for Ivan Neville and Jimmy Carpenter to funk it up on the organ/clavinet and tenor sax, respectively. Meschiya Lake’s pristine vocals match well with Iuso’s raw sound.
He plays the Who’s “Magic Bus” with a New Orleans twist, bringing in the Rebirth Brass Band’s Phil Frazier to lead a full brass section that includes Jimmy Carpenter on sax, Antonio Gambrell on trumpet, and Rick Trolsen on trombone.
To add diversity, the album closes with Rickie Lee Jones’ “Horses,” which features several acoustic instruments to provide a soft accompaniment for Iuso and his daughter Aria in a ballad. Trippin’appeals to a wide audience; lovers of funk, blues, rock, jazz, and everything in between can find something they like about this album.
On his latest CD Restless Natives New Orleans transplant Billy Iuso seems to have matured greatly. Focusing on songwriting and structure rather than lengthy jams that go nowhere, Iuso has crafted a nice collection of songs a wonderful accomplishment from a member of the New Orleans jam-oriented community. He recently told me, "I'm not trying to be a 'rock star' anymore." This new, laid back, attitude shines through the music, combining an impressive breadth of original compositions with interesting covers. For this latest project, Iuso's Restless Natives consist of some of New Orleans' top (if not nationally known) musicians. The core band consists of Iuso on guitar and vocals, "Mean" Willie Green (Neville Brothers) on drums, Mark Pero (Papa Grows Funk) on bass, Sam Hotchkiss (juice) on guitar, and Chris Marsceill on keys, and a large array of New Orleans musicians make appearances throughout. Iuso is cut from the "Peace through Music" cloth, an ideal which shines through in the opener, a cover of Wet Willie's "Keep on Smiling." The opening tune adds vocalist Shannon McNally and has a definite Southern tone like to original, reminding me of smoky juke joints as well as sunny day outdoor festivals. In a word, it is "happy." What can I say? I like happy. The next tune, an original named "Two Deep in the Shallows" is a swamp-a-delic rendezvous that glides down smooth and mellow. Iuso's maturing songwriting skills allow the song to feel funky but not forced. Chris Marsceill takes center stage on "Come C New Orleans," a Professor Longhair inspired instrumental which would be a hit at any Carnival party. The Natives take on Little Feat's "Spanish Moon" is simply wonderful. The horn section consisting of Kirk Joseph (Dirty Dozen) on sousaphone, Mark Mullins (Bonerama) on trombone and Satoru Ohashi (New Orleans Nightcrawlers) on trumpet take the song to the streets and give it a Crescent City feel. Tamika Jett's added vocals lend some soul that fills in the sound. "Your Just a Memory" follows. The simple song structure and autowah guitar fit perfectly together, giving the lyrics a chance to shine forth and the song a chance to breathe. Iuso's time spent in New Orleans comes through in "The Heavy," a dark funk tune drive by clavinet and Ryan Plattsmier's (the public) bass work. An interesting cover of the Grateful Dead's "The Other One" follows. I call it interesting because it is strays from the original into dark and funky territory, and does it well. Taking a quick left turn into instrumental jazz territory, "Da Minor Jam" features Pero's bass and drummer Bryan Besse trading licks back and forth in a tasteful show of talent. Nori Naraoka (Big Sam's Funky Nation) joins on bass as Iuso remains in mellow jazz mode for the final cut entitled "Candle," a ballad that rounds out and winds down the project. Not to leave on a mellow note, Iuso recruits Ivan Neville (Dumpsta Funk) and Russell Batiste (funky Meters) for the "bonus" cut "Runnin High" a straight-ahead funk romp that reminds me why I like Iuso's music in the first place he rocks. But don't tell him I said so.
Anders Osborne with Billy Iuso closed the day at the beautiful and intimate Garden Stage. This stage, a much smaller timber frame platform, was set back in the woods. Many of the trees had rope lights spiraling up their trunks and branches. The gatherers could not have looked more content as they sat in chairs while sampling the day’s fare from the beer and wine tents.
Over the last couple of years, Anders has morphed his show to feature more of his brilliant song writing than his explosive guitar playing. This show was not that. This show was much more of a throwback with muscular guitar playing and a band that was speaking in one solid and energetic voice.
Anders has played a long time now with bassist Carl Dufrene and drummer Eric Bolivar, and both seem to know where Anders wants to go before Anders even does. The addition of guitarist and song writer Billy Iuso really helped make this gig electric.
The two guitarists never seemed to get in each other’s way, backing each other’s solos with tasty playing and trading solos at the peak of extended jams. All four musicians listened intently to each other, keeping the ship moving in whatever directions Anders was inspired to go. Though all gigs take on their own feeling and some are more inspired than others, this set was brilliant for its high energy and collaborative spirit.
While Anders did the majority of the lead vocals, he did give Billy the opportunity to take on a few songs while both Carl and Eric sang backgrounds. The small stage was alive with these guys as they stomped around through one powerful jam after the next. By the end, the crowd was whipped into a frenzy, screaming, happy and danced out.
Across-the-Way Productions continue to develop this festival site into becoming Virginia’s premier music festival destination. Each year they add new permanent structures, each appropriately designed to fit into the mountain top setting and Floyd Fandango was a well spent weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southern Virginia.
How could you possibly go wrong with an album that starts with a cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues”? On top of great cover selections, Bill Iuso and the Restless Natives deliver some funky original material and an overall groovy live performance with Live at the Sandpiper Lounge.
Michael Burkart gets things going with some funky keys to start the original “Two Deep in the Shadows.” Iuso has a nice vocal range and definitely performs with deep, soulful conviction. The rollicking piano that kicks things off on “Crank It Off” keeps the action hot and the sound signature “N’awlins.”
Yet another great cover, The Talking Heads’ “Once in a Lifetime,” starts off somewhat familiar, with spooky keys and a snappy drumbeat, before Iuso drops those unforgettable Byrne lyrics that completely seal the deal. This is one funky version of an iconic song, and though it feels different from the original, it still has a respectful semblance. Nearly two minutes in, Iuso begins to destroy his guitar with a massive solo. Crunchy riffs soar over top of Burkart’s funk filled keys and Thomas McDonald (Bass) and Bryan Besse’s (drums) backbone.
Track after track this album just continues to get better, a fun-filled effort showcasing great original material like “Earle” and stellar covers. If you love the Crescent City and have never heard the Restless Natives, this is a great place to start. If you have heard these cats, then you know you need this one. Either way I highly recommend picking it up.
And next time you are in “N’awlins” take a stroll away from the norm and catch these good timing local heroes.
Live at the Sandpiper Lounge
see link
http://nolavie.com/2011/10/stitch-time/