About “Mountain Top” and “Honey” from Funky Beat Provider
Mountain Top and Honey capture the depth and enduring power of Zigaboo Modeliste’s New Orleans funk legacy. Mountain Top is a driving, drum-heavy anthem built on Zigaboo’s unmistakable rhythmic voice—a call for unity powered by the spirit of New Orleans. Honey, featuring fellow New Orleans funk legend George Porter Jr., settles into a deep, infectious mid-tempo groove, highlighting the chemistry between two architects of the sound. Together, the tracks celebrate Zigaboo’s mastery of rhythm while connecting the foundational traditions of New Orleans funk to a vibrant, contemporary recording. They embody the musicianship, groove, and collaborative spirit that have defined Zigaboo’s extraordinary career and continue to shape his creative voice today.
About Zigaboo Modeliste
Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste is a master drummer, rhythm innovator and New Orleans legend. Named one of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time and Drum!’s 50 Most Important Drummers of All Time, Zigaboo’s creativity has been a wellspring of funk influence for over five decades, inspiring many hip-hop tracks. His innovative work as a member of the internationally acclaimed Funk R&B group, The Meters, as well as his side work with artists like Keith Richards, Robert Palmer and Dr. John, have garnered him an unparalleled level of respect among fans and musicians. The respect of industry peers remains strong, as the Recording Academy honored Modeliste and The Meters with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2018.
What they're saying
"Open Field" by Luke Mombrea, Darren Sng and Levent Altuntaş is one of our strongest New Age/Ambient releases of 2026 (and perhaps ever). Together, they set a new standard in ambient music by creating a one-track continuous masterpiece inspired by live improvisation, seamlessly weaving field recordings from three continents. The depth and quality of this recording is stunning and is absolutely deserving of Grammy recognition.
Rod Linnum,
VP Artist and Label Services - Downtown Music
A seamless blend of all three composers talents that feels like one of the most organic albums I’ve heard in a long time.
Ananda Chatterjee,
Orchestrator, London Contemporary Orchestra
What they're saying
"Open Field" by Luke Mombrea, Darren Sng and Levent Altuntaş is one of our strongest New Age/Ambient releases of 2026 (and perhaps ever). Together, they set a new standard in ambient music by creating a one-track continuous masterpiece inspired by live improvisation, seamlessly weaving field recordings from three continents. The depth and quality of this recording is stunning and is absolutely deserving of Grammy recognition.
Rod Linnum,
VP Artist and Label Services - Downtown Music
If you are searching for something entirely different from the new age genre, then Oxum, the latest track from Aco Takenaka, will satisfy that need. The track is from her forthcoming album Ancient Seeds, due out in October.
Although she is singing in another language and you may not understand her, the vocals are mesmerizing and soothing as can be.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck,
NAMR Founder
A beautiful pop hymn to the African goddess of Fertility, female power and fresh waters – sung and chanted clearly and cleanly by Aco, through which the listener truly feels the blessing of a goddess.
Carman Moore, Internationally acclaimed composer, professor, and former Village Voice music critic
Oxum is a breath of sonic fresh air – confident, soulful, and filled with peaceful energy. There is sweetness and soul in her vocal performance. The wonderful arrangement and production enhances her voice and the song. It’s now on my ‘Peaceful’ playlist to listen again and again.
Peter Bliss, Songwriter, Producer, Former Director of New York Songwriters Circle