Galactic
Drawing upon the vibrant funk, R&B, and jazz traditions of their native New Orleans, Galactic built a loyal following with their own brand of jam-based grooves. Emerging in the mid-'90s, the six-member group, led by co-founding members guitarist Jeff Raines and bassist Robert Mercurio, and featuring noted drummer Stanton Moore, drew inspiration from legends 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 Grey, on 2015's Into the Deep. More vocal-centric collaborations also powered 2018's Already Ready Already and 2023's TCHOMPITOULAS.
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.
© Matt Collar /TiVo
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Discography
44 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
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Into The Deep (Deluxe Edition)
Funk - Released by Provogue on 24 sep. 2024
Available in24-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Into the Deep (Deluxe Edition)
Alternative en Indie - Released by Tchoup-zilla Records on 24 sep. 2024
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Big Whiskers
Alternative en Indie - Released by Tchoup-zilla Records on 16 dec. 2022
Available in24-Bit/48 kHz Stereo -
Lavish
Hip-Hop/Rap - Released by Ocean Waves Records on 11 sep. 2024
Available in24-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Galactic Vintage Reserve
Pop/Rock - Released by Volcano on 10 apr. 2003
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Tchompitoulas
Alternative en Indie - Released by Tchoup-zilla Records on 20 jan. 2023
Available in24-Bit/48 kHz Stereo -
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Ruckus
Jazz fusion en jazz rock - Released by Sanctuary Records on 7 okt. 2013
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Late for the Future
Pop/Rock - Released by Volcano on 5 feb. 2001
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Already Ready Already
Alternative en Indie - Released by Tchoup-zilla Records on 8 feb. 2019
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Ya-Ka-May (Deluxe Edition)
Alternative en Indie - Released by Anti - Epitaph on 5 feb. 2010
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
From the Corner To the Block
Alternative en Indie - Released by Anti - Epitaph on 21 aug. 2007
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
We Love 'Em Tonight (Live at Tipitina's, New Orleans, LA - November/December 2000)
Pop/Rock - Released by Volcano on 21 aug. 2001
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Carnivale Electricos
Alternative en Indie - Released by Galactic Funk Recordings Inc. on 21 feb. 2012
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
The Other Side of Midnight: Live in New Orleans
Alternative en Indie - Released by Galactic on 3 mei 2011
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Act Like You Know
Mannie Fresh, Big Freedia, Galactic
Soul - Released by PETALUMA RECORDS on 7 jan. 2022
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
From the Corner To the Block
Alternative en Indie - Released by Anti - Epitaph on 21 aug. 2007
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
inFAMOUS 2 (The Blue Soundtrack)
Jim Dooley, JD Mayer, Galactic
Originele soundtracks - Released by Sony Classical on 12 feb. 2021
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Clap Your Hands (feat. Miss Charm Taylor)
Alternative en Indie - Released by Tchoup-zilla Records on 7 dec. 2018
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Does It Really Make A Difference (Acoustic Version)
Funk - Released by Provogue on 24 jul. 2015
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo