Joe Lastie's New Orleans Sound
No drummer personifies the essential soul of New Orleans like Joe Lastie. His grandfather, Deacon Frank Lastie introduced the drums to him while attending church one Sunday morning. Church was the home base for the Lastie Family. Those years of hearing and playing gospel music has molded Joe Lastie as the musician he is today. He comes from a line of legendary musical pioneers. Grandfather Frank Lastie, Aunt Betty Ann Lastie, Uncles Jesse HIll, Melvin Lastie, Walter "Popee" Lastie, David Lastie, cousin Herlin Riley and Troy "Trombone" Shorty. Merv is close to and protégé of the late “Uncle” Lionel Batiste. Merv says you can directly hear Uncle Lionel’s influence on his singing in several songs As a boy growing up in the Seventh Ward, Merv was stirred by the sounds of the St. Augustine marching band practices that took place close by his home. After a lifetime of apprenticeship and struggling to find his identity, Kid Merv discovered it right back at the source.