Closing out this year's Jazz Fest, Russell and Rita Batiste were married in the early hours of May 8, 2007 at the Maple Leaf in New Orleans. Surrounded by a "who's who" of NOLA music royalty, the happy couple exchanged their vows in front of a crowd that included Stanton Moore, Jellybean, Henry Butler, John Gros, George Porter, Jr., Leo Nocentelli and Art Neville.
David Batiste, Sr. gave the bride away and Pesuky Nocentelli was the best man, with Ara Porter and Claudette Hunter on the lady's side as bridesmaids.
The highlight of the evening was the couple's first dance. Russell and Rita shared a beautiful moment together as a tearful Art Neville sang a remarkably emotional rendition of "All These Things," with George Porter Jr., Leo Nocentelli and Papa Grows Funk laying down the backing grooves. Watching the newlyweds dance while 3 of the 4 original Meters performed together made the already memorable evening a truly unforgettable experience. Even Russell Batiste himself cried in an overwhelmed state of joy, making this night one for the history books!
APPEARING ON THE CD "THE CLINIC"
Russell Batiste, Jr. aka the Young Lion - drums, bass, guitar, keys
All Songs Written & Arranged by Russell Batiste, Jr.
His father, David Batiste, was leader of a family band, David Batiste and the Gladiators, credited by many with being one of the most pioneering funk bands. The Batiste family is one of New Orleans' most prolific musical families, with the Batiste Brothers Band and David Batiste and the Gladiators now playing regularly. Batiste children and grandchildren can be found playing with scores of other bands as well as leading their own projects.
Russell began playing drums at age four and began sitting in with the family band at age seven. He was playing saxophone in the school band by fifth grade and can now hold his own on keyboards, trumpet, bass and guitar. He attended St. Augustine High School and was a member of the nationally known Marching One Hundred Band, playing in the drum section and writing cadences that are still heard during Mardi Gras parade season even today. He attended Southern University of New Orleans on a music scholarship, studying under the renown Edward "Kidd" Jordan. He left collage after two years when he began traveling with the Charmaine Neville Band. He continues his love of marching bands by acting as assistant director of Redeemer-Seaton High School when his schedule permits.
Russell left the Charmaine Neville Band in 1989 to join with Art Neville and George Porter Jr. of the Meters and guitarist Brian Stoltz to form the Funky Meters. Russell was with George Porter and the Runnin' Pardners for many years and has played with a wide variety of performers including Harry Connick, Jr., Champion Jack Dupree, Robbie Robertson, Maceo Parker as well as local and regional bands too numerous to mention. Along with Vida Blue and his own band, Russell Batiste and the Orchestra from da Hood, he continues to play with the popular PBS Porter Batiste and Stoltz and the Funky Meters.
Russell Batiste and the Orchestra from Da Hood is Russell's own project. The core band is eight members strong but at different times the group may grow to include as many as twelve or more. All the music is written and arranged by Russell, including all of the intricate horn parts. The band plays all types of music including straight ahead and smooth jazz, funk, reggae, rock and even a cajun flavored waltz dedicated to his grandfather who hails from Cajun country.
Russell and Friends are featured in Jambase.com : a review of the Dec. 14 show at the Lions Den in NYC. check it out at - http://www.jambase.com/headsup.asp?storyID=7681
Words by Gabriela Kerson : Images by Robert Chapman, for Jambase
Russell is also featured in an online article discussing post-Katrina New Orleans for Dirt Magazine. check it out at http://boulderdirt.com/music/article.cfm/5242/After_the_storm
By Andy Stonehouse, for Dirt Wednesday January 4, 2006
I'M REAL HAPPY MAN YOUR ADD!! ME TO LIKE & LOVE BOSPHORUS CYM! SIMPLY GREATS!! peace & love from Oscar-italy-just stop the tour in europe w/ J. SANSONE, CIAO
