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've 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.
Formed in 1994,
Galactic was the inspiration of childhood friends and Chevy Chase, Maryland natives guitarist
Jeff Raines and bassist
Robert Mercurio, 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. ~ Matt Collar