Papa Grows Funk

Papa Grows Funk represents the pinnacle of the 21st-century New Orleans funk revival. Formed in 2000 out of a legendary Monday night residency at the Maple Leaf Bar, the group was led by keyboardist and vocalist John 'Papa' Gros.

The band's identity is inextricably linked to the 'second line' tradition of New Orleans, characterized by highly syncopated drumming and a 'behind the beat' feel that creates a deep, rolling groove. Their sound is a direct descendant of The Meters and The Neville Brothers, but infused with a more aggressive, jam-oriented approach that appealed to the modern festival circuit. , provided a heavy, immovable foundation. Critically, they were lauded for maintaining the 'funkiest band' title in a city defined by the genre. Though they disbanded in 2013, their discography remains a definitive document of the post-millennial New Orleans sound, bridging the gap between traditional R&B and the modern jam-band scene.