I had the pleasure of meeting Iavn Neville and the rest of Dumpstaphunk recently. Moreover, I enjoyed the raw grace of experiencing their live performance. Giving a whole new meaning to the peculiar expression “Dead on the heavy funk” (James Brown), Dumpsta is pushing the envelope of funk itself.
Dumpstaphunk is Ivan Neville (son of Aaron Neville of the legendary Neville Brothers, circa 1976), Ian Neville (son of Art Neville, also of the Neville Brothers), Nick Daniels, Raymond Weber, and Tony Hall. Although an awful name, the band could easily be called Pedigreephunk.
Hall’s musical collaborations include Trey Anastasio (Phish), Dave Matthews, Harry Connick Jr., Jewel, and Emmy Lou Harris. Weber’s: the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Trey Anastasio, and Harry Connick Jr. Daniels’: the Neville Brothers, Etta James, and Boz Scaggs. Ian Neville has worked with Galactic, Funky Meters, Soulive, and the Neville Brothers. Ivan Neville with the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards, Government Mule, New Orleans Social Club, John Mayer, Bonnie Raitt, Spin Doctors, Don Henley, Robbie Robertson (The Band), Rufus, Paula Abdul, and of course the Neville Brothers.
That’s a lot to take in, but what’s coming out is a supercharged, urban-tinged funk power that’s highlighted by jazz and R&B sentiments, topped with jam galore. This is a New Orleans real-deal band, a festival band: a Jam Cruise, Bonnaroo, Earthdance, Burning Man band.
~Dirty Jeff
