The wickedly funky and wildly entertaining Uncle Mingo, I don’t think we have produced another band quite like them since their inception in 1989. No doubt about it this was a live band meant to be experienced in just that state and thanks to Ervin Dargan of Mingo Video Productions I was able to put up some clips of live performances from 1993 when this band was at their best. Going through their catalog of music I realized that although they are best known for being a live band songs like “Friends” show off a keen ability to write and record catchy pop songs as well. Incredibly talented musicians with a flare and rich rhythmic texture Uncle Mingo are a unique and colorful attribute to the tapestry of South Carolina sound.

 

Bio (from the press kit):

Uncle Mingo are a Charleston, SC based funk-punk quintet that melds the party-hearty attitude of the Red Hot Chili Peppers with a stronger funk basis and an inclination toward long jams that lean towards prog-rock.

 

Guitarist Scott Quattlebaum, bassist Bryon Moore and drummer Robert Thorn formed Uncle Mingo in Charleston as a trio in 1989, playing funk-metal and alternative rock. After developing a local following, the group added Jason Moore (saxophone, keyboard; no relation to Bryon) and recorded their first album, an eponymous cassette-only release which appeared that fall. That album was quickly followed by Fatty Mookie Mo' Booty, which became a word-of-mouth hit around the Southeast following the group's constant touring. After a few years, the group had developed a strong fan base across the Southeast, as well as Colorado.

 

In 1996, the group released their third album, Little Baby Brother, which was produced by James Brown saxophonist Jeff Watkins and featured the James Brown horn section. Uncle Mingo signed a deal with Autonomous Records in 1997 and in the spring, the label gave Fatty Mookie Mo' Booty a national release, following it with Dancin' on the Moon in April.

 

In 1999 the band went on hiatus, but never officially broke up. The band members got day jobs and settled into family life while occasionally performing together. In 2006 Greg Walker, of Blue Dogs fame, was brought on to play with the band as a drummer.