Album Review: Dumpstaphunk - Live at Tipitina's 2025

Dumpstaphunk

Live at Tipitina's 2025

***and1/2 out of *****

The most recent release from Tipitinas Record Club is also their newest recording as Dumpstaphunk's Live at Tipitina's 2025 was captured at the venues final late night show from last years Jazz Fest. The gorgeous yellow and black splattered vinyl finds the funk band playing to their strengths with a surprise guest as they wrapped up another great Festival weekend in New Orleans. 

Kicking off with "Make It After All", Dumpstaphunk (Ivan Neville- keyboards/vocals, Tony Hall – bass/guitar/vocals, Ian Neville – guitar, Deven Trusclair – drums, Alex Wasily – trombone, Ashlin Parker – trumpet, John Michael Bradford – trumpet, Rebekah Todd – vocals Ari Teital – guitar) get funky and loose with a strong start, delivering deep popping bass, scratchy guitar lines, prime horn hits, pleading vocals from Hall and a piano solo from Neville. 

For a band that is known to jam/stretch out their songs, the vinyl format may not be the most representative capturing of the group, as some shorter selections are needed to fit on the wax. Ending the A side the older, "Livin In A World Gone Mad" feels repetitive with the more rock focused riffs, while the newest selection here, "Let's Dot It" tries to strut with confidence, but never truly takes off. 

However, all of that is forgotten when you flip the record over and listen to the B side. The band clearly saved their best for last as the brass focused instrumental "Itchy Boo" is a killer demonstration of the groups interplay as well as the horn sections talent. That jam showcase was the highlight of the set the band played at Jazz Fest proper the day before, but on this night the stakes would be raised even higher. 

The percussion kicks off Dumpstaphunk's motoring cover of "Fire and Brimstone" that cooks with righteous rage and spiritual awakening around blazing guitar and bumping low end. A dynamite version before the band ends things with another cover, this time Buddy Miles "United Nation Stomp". It is surprising the roof of Tipitina's didn't blow off. Guest Christone "Kingfish" Ingram was on hand to help out on guitar and the builds to a huge guitar soloing climax that is exhilarating.       

A funky start, and huge finale makes Dumpstaphunk's Live at Tipitina's 2025 worth owning for any funk fans out there. 

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