brian stoltz

Biography

Brian Stoltz, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a highly respected American guitarist, singer-songwriter, and producer whose career spans over three decades. He first gained prominence as a member of the Neville Brothers Band during the 1980s, where his dynamic playing and songwriting helped shape the group's sound. Stoltz later became best known as the guitarist for the Funky Meters, joining the band in 1994 and remaining a key member through 2007, then returning in 2011. His work with the Funky Meters helped keep the spirit of New Orleans funk alive, blending street-level virtuosity with raw emotion and a distinctive, stinging guitar style. Over the years, Stoltz has released four solo albums, including 'East Of Rampart Street' (2003), 'God, Guns & Money' (2005), and 'Up All Night/Live' (2007), showcasing his versatility and deep roots in blues, funk, and rock.

Stoltz’s musical style is marked by a chameleon-like adaptability, moving seamlessly between genres and collaborating with a wide array of artists. He is known for his panoramic approach to sound, embracing everything from clean chimes to heavily distorted tones. His career has included extensive session work, production, and songwriting for artists such as Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Linda Ronstadt, Dylan, Edie Brickell, and many others. Stoltz has also appeared on major television shows like The Tonight Show, Saturday Night Live, and Austin City Limits, and has toured internationally, including with the first Amnesty International Tour in 1986 alongside U2, Peter Gabriel, and Lou Reed. His legacy is that of a versatile and socially conscious musician who has helped define the sound of New Orleans for generations.

Fun Facts

• Brian Stoltz played at the legendary Warehouse in New Orleans, a venue that hosted major acts like The Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan, and The Who in the 1970s.
• He toured with the first Amnesty International Tour in 1986, performing alongside U2, Peter Gabriel, and Lou Reed to raise awareness for political prisoners.
• Stoltz has appeared on The Tonight Show with both Johnny Carson and Jay Leno, as well as Saturday Night Live and Late Night with David Letterman.
• His solo album 'Starving Buddha' (1999) is now out of print and considered a collector's item among fans.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Jimi Hendrix - Stylistic influence (general inspiration) [1970s]
• Muddy Waters - Stylistic influence (general inspiration) [1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Neville Brothers Band - guitarist and songwriter (multiple albums and tours) [1980s]
• Funky Meters - guitarist (multiple albums and tours) [1994–2007, 2011–present]
• Dr. John - touring and recording (various albums) [1980s–1990s]
• Linda Ronstadt - session guitarist (various albums) [1980s–1990s]
• Aaron Neville - session guitarist and songwriter (various albums) [1980s–1990s]
• Zachary Richard - touring and recording (various albums) [1980s–1990s]
• Bob Dylan - session guitarist (various albums) [1980s–1990s]

Artists Influenced

• Coco Montoya - session work and stylistic influence (various recordings) [1990s–2000s]
• Zydeco artists - session work and stylistic influence (various recordings) [1990s–2000s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Baby Blue (The Sea Saint Sessions)
2. Hustlin' Down In New Orleans (The Sea Saint Sessions)
3. I Want You (Blues On Blonde On Blonde)
4. Absolutely Sweet Marie (Blues On Blonde On Blonde)
5. Obviously 5 Believers (Blues On Blonde On Blonde)
6. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 (Blues On Blonde On Blonde)
7. Visions Of Johanna (Blues On Blonde On Blonde)
8. Temporary Like Achilles (Blues On Blonde On Blonde)
9. Leopard-Skin Pillbox Hat (Blues On Blonde On Blonde)
10. Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again (Blues On Blonde On Blonde)

External Links

• Spotify