James McClaskey & The Rhythm Band Concerts

Experience James McClaskey & The Rhythm Band

James McClaskey & The Rhythm Band emerged from the vibrant New Orleans music scene in the 1970s, quickly becoming a staple of the city’s funk and R&B landscape. McClaskey, a multi-instrumentalist proficient in piano, organ, and vocals, led the band with a distinctive sound rooted in hard-driving rhythms and soulful melodies.

Initially gaining regional acclaim through energetic live performances at clubs like Tipitina’s, they released several singles throughout the decade – notably “Something Special” (1976) and “Love Is Real” (1978) – which have since become sought-after collector's items among funk enthusiasts. Their music blends elements of New Orleans funk with influences from James Brown and Sly & The Family Stone.

While never achieving mainstream commercial success, James McClaskey & The Rhythm Band cultivated a dedicated following and significantly contributed to the preservation of New Orleans’ unique musical heritage. In recent years, their work has experienced a resurgence thanks to reissues by labels like Colemine Records, introducing their infectious grooves to a new generation of listeners and cementing their place as cult heroes of 70s funk.