Chris Jones, a chef and percussionist who studied with the late Michael Ward, founded "Indian funk" band 101 Runners before Mardi Gras 2007. But the band's mission extends beyond Carnival. "The rhythm is more important than seasonal music and 'Hey Pocky Way, ' " Jones said. Each song builds from the bottom up, with drums and percussion followed by guitars and bass. The number 101 has long factored in Indian lore. "To me, the call means everyone is included, " Jones aforesaid. "It's century plus you."
The 101 Runners includes Jones, A.J. Mallory and Lionel Batiste Jr. on percussion, Billy Iuso and Sam Hotchkiss on guitars, keyboardist Tom Worrell, bassist Scott Jackson, guest percussionist Alfred "Uganda" Roberts, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and Golden Comanches War Chief Juan Pardo. A loose 101 Runners show Saturday at Tipitina's is a CD tone ending party for "The Thunder From Under, " a live CD recorded during the 2008 Jazzfest.
Also Saturday, Tab Benoit is at Ruby's Roadhouse in Mandeville. Irvin Mayfield switches to Hammond B-3 electronic organ to lead funk jazz band Purple Disrespect at the Blue Nile. Avant-electro artist The White Bitch celebrates the release of his new CD, "The White Bitch's Prey Drive, " at the Hi-Ho Lounge. The Morning 40 Federation throws itself a "Back from Alaska Celebration" at One Eyed Jacks. Outlaw country vocalizer David Allan Coe is at the House of Blues. Guitarist/songwriter Alex McMurray plays early at d.b.a., followed by Anders Osborne. The Blue Eyed Soul Revue is at Mid-City Lanes. Astral Project lands at Snug Harbor.
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