Galactic’s playful blend of acid, jazz fusion, and New Orleans Dixieland is getting a revival here in D.C. Its founding members Robert Mercurio and Jeff Raines, from the District, will bring the parade to the 9:30 Club this Thursday, February 23rd, and we have a pair of tickets for you to win. Joining their musical procession will be Corey Glover (of Living Colour) and Corey Henry of the Rebirth Brass Band.
Originally a band of eight, Galactic surreptitiously inked their namesake into a new portal of N’awlins neo-jazz artists in the early ’90s. Though they’ve been categorized as contemporary jazz players, Galactic applies intricate time signatures to traditional Southern music.
Then they effectively blend skiffle motifs (an early blend of horns, folk, and country) to stylized hip-hop rhythms. All these ingredients come together to form harmonious equal parts smooth and rugged, like gator-skinned boots.
Their latest album Carnivale Electricos marries New Orleans with another city known for pre-Lenten festivities: Rio de Janeiro. Both cities may appear culturally different, but Galactic casts light on the similarities between Carnaval and Fat Tuesday. The album has the contemporary feel of jazz pop but holds on to the raw, insidious sexuality of the band’s early days. Guest artists include Ivan & Cyril Neville, Mystikal, and David Shaw from The Revivalists. The album as a whole is hot and feverish, like mudbugs screaming in a pot of gumbo.
Galactic has expanded its influence to make way for younger artists. They courier the old ways of psychedelic funk and intertwine it with post-modern electronica and hip hop. Yet, still the band manages to embrace the mythical traditions of New Orleans blues. A unique culture lives and breathes in the wards of New Orleans, and Galactic helps keep the city thriving with music.
Today is Fat Tuesday! For a chance to win tickets to the show on Thursday, tell us your favorite song to “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” Mine is Earl King’s “Street Parade.”
The winner will be selected on Thursday at noon and must confirm the tickets via email by 3pm for that night’s show.
