The Gaturs - Wasted, 1970

The 'other' great original New Orleans funk band, sometimes called the Gaturs and other times The New Orleans Project. At their best they were every bit the equal of The Meters (their best was behind the Wild Magnolias), and while this may not be quite their best, it don't suck either.

Bo Dollis and the Original Wild Magnolias

Not only the greatest Mardi Gras Indian albums ever made, but some of of the most seriously bad-ass funk ever played anywhere. The Turbinton brothers band, known both as the New Orleans Project and the Gaturs, absolutely DESTROY it on both records; first with Snooks Eaglin on guitar and Julius Farmer on bass, then with Guitar June (not the Japanese guy) and Ervin Charles on bass for the second album. Farmer and Charles were two of the funkiest bass players EVER. (George would be the first to agree) Of course leading the show here on some of the most revolutionary music ever played in New Orleans is the great Bo Dollis at the height of his powers. This is how he will always sound in my mind's ear; rest in peace my big chief.

Remembering Willie Tee 3 - Anticipation and Brothers for Life

Anticipation (1976) was the album Willie considered his masterwork, the full LP at United Artists that was sure to hit, it didn't. With the Gaturs supplemented by fabulous musicians like David T Walker, Lee Ritenour and Julis Farmer just to name a few, and Skip Drinkwater production, the project was clearly targeted to be mainstream. I think it is a pretty strong album, but it just never caught the public ear.

The second album here is a jazz project with brother Earl Turbinton from 1988. Willie plays some really serious piano on this date. Astral Project's Jim Singleton is on bass. 

"Alto saxophonist Earl Turbinton and keyboardist Willie Tee moved into more adventurous territory than usual on this 1988 date. While each was an experienced blues and R&B stylist, they had also maintained active jazz ties since the '50s, although they'd only shown it in New Orleans clubs. They cut loose often here, notably on the rousing "Neferdoris" and first-rate cover of Thelonious Monk's "Think of One." Turbinton's sassy, fiery alto and Tee's lowdown, wide-ranging, expressive piano solos are the highlight, while bassist James Singleton, drummer David Lee, Jr., and percussionist Curtis Pierre add vital support and color, as does guest pianist Wess Anderson on "Think of One" and "Neferdoris." ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide

I guess we will have to assume that Mr. Wynn can't tell the difference between a soprano sax and an alto.