Supergroup brings on the DEEP FRIED funk If you take four of the Southeast's most recognized names in improvisational music and toss them all into a bubbling pot full of chops and groove-you'll be onto the beginnings of a great musical recipe that is Deep Fried. Consisting of four of the Southeast's strongest musical talents --Johnny Neel (keyboards, vocals), George Porter Jr. (bass), Brian Stoltz (guitar), and Matt Abts (drums)- Deep Fried's maiden voyage is set. By performing in influential groups like the Neville Brothers, the Allman Brothers Band, Gov't Mule, and the Funky Meters, Neel, Porter, Stoltz and Abts have developed a strong sense of improvisation in various collaborative environments. The notion of the super-group is nothing new to Johnny Neel-it's nearly all he plays with any more. Steeped in roots-rock, blues, Delta boogie, and New Orleans swamp funk,Neel's unique feel tickling the ivories has led him to play with in diverse settings. Neel's peculiar Southern soul has been involved in bands including the Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule, Pink Floyd all-star tribute act Blue Floyd, and experimental duo X2 (comprised of Neel and Abts). As founding drummer for the top-touring act, Gov't Mule, drummer Matt Abts has been involved in his own rotating super group cast. Through constant touring, two studio albums including the acclaimed, multi-bassist project, The Deep End, Abts has shown relentless, powerful style with his ability to adapt and instantly lock into the grooves with dozens of different bassists. George Porter Jr.'s career has spanned over thirty years; his bass playing instrumental in developing the New Orleans funk sound by co-founding and performing with the Meters. Porter continues to impress with his impeccable sense of groove making its mark on a wide variety of musicians - including the heralded Deep End recordings with Gov't Mule. From Dr. John, David Byrne, Tori Amos, Robert Palmer, Harry Connick Jr., Paul McCartney, and Robbie Robertson-Porter's longest running gig has been the providing the low end for the pride and soul of the New Orleans sound with the Funky Meters. Guitarist Brian Stoltz, currently touring and recording with the Funky Meters, has deservedly earned the title of New Orleans'"King of Funk Guitar." For ten years, Stoltz's has been dishing out his name brand funky licks touring with the Neville Brothers. His trademark chops are displayed on two solo recordings as well as numerous albums by Bob Dylan, Linda Ronstadt, Dr. John, Edie Brickell and Jimmy Buffet. For tour dates visit http://www.earrigation.com/deepfriedtour.asp