Dumpstaphunk Captures What Nasty, Funky Sound Is All About

The great New Orleans drummer Earl Palmer was the first musician to describe a groove, a rhythm, a vibe, an attitude that makes people look like they're smelling something nasty ... because the music sounds so good. The word Palmer chose was "funk."

Now, more than 50 years later, our New Orleans correspondent Gwen Thompkins says that the band Dumpstaphunk captures what that good, nasty, funky sound is all about. Led by Ivan Neville, son of Aaron Neville, Dumpstaphunk's songs combine good times and a hot, sweaty sensuality with social and political commentary.

Ivan Neville has played keyboards on recordings by The Rolling Stones, Don Henley, Bonnie Raitt and Robbie Robertson. And he's a member of Keith Richards' band, the X-Pensive Winos.

Dumpstaphunk has a new album coming out in April. But you'll get an advance listen to some of the new tunes in this episode. And you'll hear the stories behind the music in Gwen Thompkins' interview with Ivan Neville.