Which 1969 instrumental by The Meters is a New Orleans funk standard?

Which 1969 instrumental by The Meters is a New Orleans funk standard? “Cissy Strut.” Released as a single from The Meters’ self-titled debut album, it distills New Orleans funk into a lean, conversational groove led by guitar, bass, organ, and Zigaboo Modeliste’s distinctive drumming.

The recording was written by Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli, George Porter Jr., and Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste, with production by Allen Toussaint and Marshall Sehorn. Its relaxed pocket and carefully repeated figures show how much the band could achieve without a lead vocalist; the instruments function almost like four voices trading phrases.

“Cissy Strut” became a major success, reaching No. 4 on the U.S. R&B chart and No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. That performance helped establish The Meters as one of the defining rhythm sections of New Orleans music and an important influence on funk, rock, and hip-hop musicians.

The title can be confused with “Sophisticated Cissy,” another Meters single from the same debut album. “Chicken Strut” is also a later Meters title, but neither is the 1969 instrumental most commonly identified as the New Orleans funk standard.