Galactic

Drawing upon the vibrant funk, R&B, and jazz of their native New Orleans, Galactic craft jam-based grooves that pay homage to tradition while pushing the sonic envelope, incorporating electronic, hip-hop, and global rhythmic textures. Emerging in the mid-'90s, the group built upon the influence of bands like the Meters and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, as well as iconic R&B artists like Maceo Parker and Parliament, a sound they displayed on albums like 1996's Coolin' Off and 2000's Late for the Future. Ever interested in cross-pollinating their sound, they continued to evolve, exploring Brazilian rhythms on 2012's Carnivale Electricos and connecting with contemporaries and elder statesmen alike, including Mavis Staples and Macy Gray, on 2015's Into the Deep. More vocal-centric collaborations powered 2018's Already Ready Already, 2023's TCHOMPITOULAS, and 2025's Audience with the Queen, the latter a showcase for New Orleans legend Irma Thomas.

Formed in 1994, Galactic was the inspiration of childhood friends and Chevy Chase, Maryland natives Jeff Raines (guitar) and Robert Mercurio (bass), who moved to New Orleans to attend Tulane and Loyola Universities, respectively. During college, they became enamored of the local funk, jazz, and R&B scenes and looked to form their own band. Originally an eight-member ensemble, the group was eventually pared down to a sextet featuring Raines and Mercurio, organist Rich Vogel, saxophonists Ben Ellman and Jason Mingledorff, and drummer Stanton Moore. Adding vocalist Theryl DeClouet, Galactic built a fervent local following, playing a tireless schedule of live shows including opening slots for their idols the Meters, longtime James Brown saxophonist Maceo Parker, and the similarly inclined jazz outfit Medeski, Martin & Wood. In 1996, Galactic issued their debut album, Coolin' Off. Crazyhorse Mongoose followed two years later, after which Mingledorff left the band.

The rowdy and expansive Late for the Future arrived in 2000, with the electronic-tinged Ruckus following in 2003. In 2007, Galactic issued From the Corner to the Block, which featured guest appearances by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, Mr. Lif, and DJ Z-Trip. Also during this period, they contributed to the Hurricane Katrina charity compilation A Celebration of New Orleans Music to Benefit the Musicares Hurricane Relief as well as Goin' Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino. There were also concert albums showcasing the group's appearances at New Orleans Jazz Fest in 2008 and 2009.

In 2010, Galactic returned with the ambitious Ya-Ka-May, which found them celebrating New Orleans' musical heritage. Featured on the album were guest appearances by everyone from Irma Thomas and Big Chief Bo Dollis to the Rebirth Brass Band and Walter "Wolfman" Washington. The group then branched out into Brazilian music with 2012's Carnivale Electricos, fusing NOLA funk and second-line bounce with Brazilian rhythms. Adding support were special guests Cyril and Ivan Neville, rappers Mystikal and Mannie Fresh, Mardi Gras Indian Big Chief Juan Pardo, the KIPP Renaissance High School Marching Band, and Al "Carnival Time" Johnson.

In May of 2015, Galactic signed with Provogue and issued Into the Deep. Produced by Ellman and Mercurio, the set featured guest appearances by vocalists including Macy Gray, Mavis Staples, and Maggie Koerner. Also included on the album was the single Right On, with soul singer Charm Taylor. Over the next few years, the band stayed active, touring and appearing at New Orleans Jazz Fest.

A single, Hold On to Let Go, arrived in 2018, followed by the 24-minute album Already Ready Already in February, featuring eight tight new songs and guest vocalists including Princess Shaw, Miss Charm Taylor, David Shaw, Nahko, Erica Falls, and BOYFRIEND. The pop-infused single Float Up, featuring vocalist Anjelika Jelly Joseph, appeared in February 2020. It was included on the group's 2023 EP, TCHOMPITOULAS, which also featured collaborations with Cimafunk, Eric Biddines, Eric Gordon, and Glen David Andrews. Audience with the Queen, a collaboration with legendary New Orleans R&B singer Irma Thomas, arrived in 2025.

by Matt Collar
All Music Guide