'Deep Fried' Supergroup Bring On the Funk

Members of Govt Mule, Funky Meters and Former Members of Allman Brothers, Neville Brothers Unite For Debut Tour

Nashville, TN (PRWEB) February 28, 2004 --If you take four of the Southeasts most recognized names in improvisational music and toss them all into a bubbling pot full of chops and groove-youll be onto the beginnings of a great musical recipe that is Deep Fried.

Deep Fried, a new super group, is set for their debut tour having only a small repertoire and a handful of rehearsals. They are setting out make live music the way it ought to be played-by creating it on the spot.

Consisting of four of the Southeasts strongest musical talents --Johnny Neel (keyboards, vocals), George Porter Jr. (bass), Brian Stoltz (guitar), and Matt Abts (drums) - Deep Frieds maiden voyage is set for a eleven-city, East Coast tour.

By performing in influential groups like the Neville Brothers, the Allman Brothers Band, Govt Mule, and the Funky Meters, Neel, Porter, Stoltz and Abts have developed a strong sense of improvisation in various collaborative environments.

Though Deep Fried has never performed together, audiences will find familiarity in the melding of styles: overflowing musical ideas with sounds touching on each musicians background in rock, funk, and blues. Their sound is one of tight improvisation mixing the most solid rhythm section overlapping soulful vocals and soaring interplay between guitar and keyboards.

The notion of the super-group is nothing new to Johnny Neel-its nearly all he plays with any more. Steeped in 'roots-rock, blues, Delta boogie, and New Orleans swamp funk, Neels unique feel tickling the ivories has led him to play in diverse settings. Neels peculiar Southern soul has been involved in bands including the Allman Brothers Band, Govt Mule, Pink Floyd all-star tribute act Blue Floyd, and experimental duo X2 (comprised of Neel and Abts).

As founding drummer for the top-touring act, Govt Mule, drummer Matt Abts has been involved in his own rotating super group cast. Through constant touring, two studio albums including the acclaimed, multi-bassist project, The Deep End, Abts has shown relentless, powerful style with his ability to adapt and instantly lock into the grooves with dozens of different bassists.

George Porter Jr.s career has spanned over thirty years; his bass playing instrumental in developing the New Orleans funk sound by co-founding and performing with the Meters. Porter continues to impress with his impeccable sense of groove making its mark on a wide variety of musicians -- including the heralded Deep End recordings with Govt Mule. From Dr. John, David Byrne, Tori Amos, Robert Palmer, Harry Connick Jr., Paul McCartney, and Robbie Robertson-Porters longest running gig has been the providing the low end for the pride and soul of the New Orleans sound with the Funky Meters.

Guitarist Brian Stoltz, currently touring and recording with the Funky Meters, has deservedly earned the title of New Orleans 'King of Funk Guitar. For ten years, Stoltz has been dishing out his name brand funky licks touring with 'First Family of Funk, the Neville Brothers. His trademark chops are displayed on two solo recordings as well as numerous albums by Bob Dylan, Linda Ronstadt, Dr. John, Edie Brickell and Jimmy Buffet.

While this is the first time the members of Deep Fried have toured together as a band, their collective resume includes roles in influential groups that have been responsible for taking roots-influenced music to where it is today.

Combining their caldron of sound with sheer improvisational spirit, the melding of the groups intense performances will evolve nightly-just make sure youre there to see it.

3/13--Atlanta, GA--BrandyHouse
3/14--Winston-Salem, NC--Ziggy's
3/15--Raleigh, NC--Lincoln Theatre
3/17--Charlottesville, VA--Starr Hill Music Hall
3/18--Philadelphia, PA--North Star Bar
3/19--Baltimore, MD--Funk Box
3/21--Arlington, VA--Iota Club
3/23--Teaneck, NJ--Mexicali Blues Café
3/24--Troy, NY--Revolution Hall
3/25--Stowe, VT--Rusty Nail
3/26--New York, NY--BB Kings
3/29--Virginia Beach, VA--Phils Grill
3/30--Charlotte, NC--Neighborhood Theatre
3/31--Asheville, NC--Orange Peel