papa grows funk

Biography

John 'Papa' Gros, born in New Orleans and raised partly in Baton Rouge, immersed himself in the city's musical culture from a young age, attending Loyola University in New Orleans where he embraced the local lifestyle and classics like 'Iko Iko.' His career began playing weddings and cover bands on Bourbon Street before joining George Porter Jr.'s Runnin' Pardners in the 1990s as a keyboardist, earning what he calls a 'doctorate' from the Meters bassist who provided a blueprint for New Orleans funk. In early 2000, Gros formed Papa Grows Funk from Monday night jam sessions at New Orleans' Maple Leaf Bar and Old Point Bar in Algiers, blending funk, jazz funk, funk rock, and jam band elements into a high-energy gumbo that drew crowds for its smooth jazz sophistication and Mardi Gras wildness[1][2][3].

The band became a New Orleans institution, holding a 13-year Monday night residency at the Maple Leaf Bar, releasing six critically acclaimed albums including 'Needle in the Groove' co-produced by Allen Toussaint, and touring worldwide to spread Big Easy funk before disbanding in 2013. Captured in the documentary 'Do U Want It?', their story highlights their supergroup status with ties to Meters alumni. Post-band, Gros continued as a sideman for artists like Better Than Ezra, Anders Osborne, and Bonerama, performed in tributes to Dr. John and the Neville Brothers, and pursued solo work starting with his 2004 album 'Day's End,' honoring New Orleans traditions while innovating across funk, rock, jazz, blues, and Americana[2][3][4][5].

Gros's legacy lies in carrying forward the joyous, celebratory music of New Orleans legends like Professor Longhair, Dr. John, and the Nevilles, regularly tributing Dr. John at Tipitina's with songs spanning his Night Tripper era to hits like 'Such a Night.' As a bandleader, frontman, singer, and instrumentalist, he adds to the city's history, nurturing its self-sustaining musical lineage[2][3].

Fun Facts

• Papa Grows Funk started with just 5-10 people at Old Point Bar jams but grew into a 13-year Maple Leaf Bar residency drawing fans and tourists weekly[2][3].
• Gros was Dr. John's stand-in during rehearsals for the 2014 'Musical Mojo of Dr. John' tribute at Saenger Theater alongside Bruce Springsteen and John Fogerty[2].
• The band released a 2015 live album capturing their final Monday night at Maple Leaf Bar[3].
• Gros describes his Loyola B.A. and time with George Porter as his 'doctorate' in New Orleans music[2].

Members

• Jeffery Alexander
• John “Papa” Gros
• Jason Mingledorff
• Marc Pero
• 山岸潤史
• Russell Batiste

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• George Porter Jr. - Hired Gros as keyboardist in Runnin' Pardners; provided blueprint for New Orleans funk playing (Runnin' Pardners band) [1990s]
• Dr. John - Supportive influence; Gros opened for him and served as stand-in at tribute (The Musical Mojo of Dr. John tribute (2014); Tipitina's tribute shows) [2000s-2010s]
• Allen Toussaint - Co-produced album; stylistic influence in New Orleans tradition (Needle in the Groove album) [2000s]

Key Collaborators

• George Porter Jr. - Bandmate connections via Meters lineage; played in his band (Papa Grows Funk (supergroup ties)) [2000-2013]
• Russell Batiste - Band member with Funky Meters ties; core of supergroup (Papa Grows Funk albums and residency) [2000-2013]
• Anders Osborne - Sideman work (Various sessions) [Post-2013]
• Better Than Ezra - Sideman work (Sessions) [Post-2013]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Do U Want It? (Needle in the Groove)
2. Rollo (Needle in the Groove)
3. Red Spark (Needle in the Groove)
4. Planet of Love & Hate (Needle in the Groove)
5. Gorillafaceugmopotamus! (Mr Patterson's Hat)
6. My Man (Mr Patterson's Hat)
7. Stanky (Mr Patterson's Hat)
8. Out of the Mud (Needle in the Groove)
9. John Brown (Mr Patterson's Hat)
10. Make It Right Now (Needle in the Groove)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #funk