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Leo Nocentelli and his band have performed worldwide. He has penned more than 200 songs, recorded by Joe Cocker, Etta James, Albert King, the Neville Brothers, Robert Palmer, and George Duke.
Leo was one of the original members of the METERS, a groundbreaking New Orleans funk group from the mid-60’s to 70’s. The band, playing mainly instrumentals, stayed at the forefront of the music scene in New Orleans and nationally, with Nocentelli writing the songs. Leo has since developed his style with elements of blues, rock, rap, jazz, and funk, but considers himself a funk musician.
A self taught Leo started playing guitar when he was eight years old. He said, “My early influences were Kenny Burrell, and Wes Montgomery.” Through his hard effort and practice, he found work with Danny White, and started with Art Neville & the Hawkettes.
The Hawkettes evolved into the METERS, which also included George Porter Jr. and Joseph “Ziggy” Modeliste. Nocentelli’s career includes session work for a number of artists, including Peter Gabriel, “Digging in the Dirt”; Earl King; Dr. John Lee Dorsey; Patti LaBelle, “Lady Marmelade”; as well as the Wild Tchoupitoulas, an offshoot of the Meters. Leo has also played on recordings by Manhattan Transfer, the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, Bonnie Raitt, Sting, and the Winans, among several others. He’s also contributed to the movie soundtracks, White Men Can’t Jump, Blaze, and Heartbreakers. His television appearances include an evening at the Improv, Saturday Night Live, and Late Nite with David Letterman.
The Louisiana born singer/song-writer resides in Los Angeles.
Leo Nocentelli uses Dean Markley NickelSteel Electrics, with a custom set, Gauges 10-11-16-20w-38-40.
Leo says, “Dean Markley stings are excellent because they don’t break and they are wrapped just right, as far as pulling strings to reach certain notes.”
Be sure to visit the Leo Nocentelli website at:
www.Nocentelli.com.
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