New Directions is the eighth and final studio album by the funk band the Meters, released in 1977. Produced by David Rubinson in California, it is the band's only album recorded outside New Orleans. The album features the Oakland-based Tower of Power horn section.
Reception
John Swenson of Rolling Stone said the album "attempts to consolidate the group's style" and noted an overreliance on arrangement rather than the band's musical instinct.
Stephen Erlewine of AllMusic called the music gritty and a move in the right direction as compared to the band's previous album Trick Bag. Robert Christgau called the album "a very good commercial funk record."
Track listing
Personnel The Meters Ziggy Modeliste – drums, vocals; lead vocals (track 5) Art Neville – organ, vocals; lead vocals (tracks 2, 6) Cyril Neville – congas, vocals; lead vocals (tracks 1, 3, 4, 7, 8) Leo Nocentelli – guitar, vocals George Porter Jr. – bass, vocals
Additional personnel Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone Mic Gillette – trombone, trumpet, flugelhorn Stephen "Doc" Kupka – baritone saxophone Lenny Pickett – alto flute, alto and soprano and tenor saxophone Kurt McGettrick – baritone saxophone (tracks 1, 2, 4), bass saxophone (track 2), clarinet (track 7), flute (track 7), horn arrangements Swamp Tabernacle Choir – background vocals
Production David Rubinson – producer, engineer Jeffrey Cohen – producer Fred Catero – engineer Chris Minto – engineer Fred Rubinson – engineer Bob Irwin – mastering Bill Naegels – design Rich Russell – design Ron Coro – design Gary Heery – photography Michael P. Smith – photography John Cabalka – art direction Ed Thrasher – art direction, photography Bill Dahl – liner notes
References