Tony Hall Talks Back

Bassist, guitarist, drummer, singer and songwriter Tony Hall’s myriad accomplishments include co-founding Dumpstaphunk. The deep-grooving funk-jazz-soul quintet came together in 2003 for an Ivan Neville appearance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

- John Wirt

Dumpstaphunk, which returns to Jazz Fest May 5 and Tipitina’s May 6, features original members Hall, Neville, guitarist Ian Neville, bassist Nick Daniels III and its newest member, drummer Alvin Ford Jr.

Hall also leads the New Orleans Soul Stars. Following James Brown’s death on Christmas Day, 2006, the Soul Stars have performed tributes to the Godfather of Soul every year on or near Brown’s birthday, May 3. This year’s tribute is May 4 at the Maple Leaf Bar, followed by the Soul Stars’ May 19 performance at the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo.

Hall’s funk, soul and rhythm-and-blues chops are a given. The New Orleans artists on his résumé include Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John, the Neville Brothers, Aaron Neville, Jean Knight, June Yamagishi, Shannon McNally and the Meters (subbing for bassist George Porter Jr. and drummer Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste).

Hall’s versatility also brought him recording sessions and/or tours with Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Trey Anastasio, Dave Matthews, Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, Brian Eno, Jewel, Edie Brickell, Carlos Santana, Jimmy Buffett, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Pretty Lights and Herbie Hancock.

A New Orleans native who’s lived in Thibodaux since his teens, Hall grew up in Uptown near the historic Dew Drop Inn. His musical family includes his grandmother, Alberta Hall, a singer who wrote and recorded “Oh! How I Need Your Love,” released in 1955 by Specialty Records. Hall’s grandfather, Gus Fontenette, played sax with Guitar Slim, Ray Charles, Big Joe Turner and others.