The New Orleans jazz funk troop joined by Cyril Neville and the Rebirth Brass Band
The night started out with the opener, another New Orleans-based band, the Rebirth Brass Band on stage. They were an eclectic mix of players with their own brand of jazz funk. With trombones, trumpets, a tuba, and traditional rock instruments, they were a crew of about 7 or 8 on stage in total. The most memorable was the Mohawk-sporting Celtic punk tubist who flashed the audience to reveal that he wasn’t wearing anything under his kilt as well as the band’s only female member notable because for most of the show she didn’t do anything on-stage except just hang out and occasionally dance and bang a tambourine. She did however supply vocals on a number or two with her own blend of hip hop and soul. The band ended their set parading through the audience, including the upper sections of the venue, a realm I’ve never seen an artist traverse at the 9:30 Club. It’s great feeling like you’ve already gotten your money’s worth after just the opening act.
I’ve only ever been a passive Galactic fan, but have enjoyed parts of their live sets at festivals. So I was looking forward to getting to see a night dedicated to their music. They made us wait a long time before taking the stage, but what we saw was worth it. Each member of the quintet was talented in their own right and as they mixed in their own brand of jazz funk with elements of jam, electronic, world, rock, and blues. Guest vocalist Cyril Neville of the Neville Brothers gave some added context to their jamming with well sung soul verses. His addition was a great choice for their live shows to focus the evening and make their music a little more cohesive. The Rebirth Brass Band was also invited back on stage for a few selections.
The night started out with the opener, another New Orleans-based band, the Rebirth Brass Band on stage. They were an eclectic mix of players with their own brand of jazz funk. With trombones, trumpets, a tuba, and traditional rock instruments, they were a crew of about 7 or 8 on stage in total. The most memorable was the Mohawk-sporting Celtic punk tubist who flashed the audience to reveal that he wasn’t wearing anything under his kilt as well as the band’s only female member notable because for most of the show she didn’t do anything on-stage except just hang out and occasionally dance and bang a tambourine. She did however supply vocals on a number or two with her own blend of hip hop and soul. The band ended their set parading through the audience, including the upper sections of the venue, a realm I’ve never seen an artist traverse at the 9:30 Club. It’s great feeling like you’ve already gotten your money’s worth after just the opening act.
I’ve only ever been a passive Galactic fan, but have enjoyed parts of their live sets at festivals. So I was looking forward to getting to see a night dedicated to their music. They made us wait a long time before taking the stage, but what we saw was worth it. Each member of the quintet was talented in their own right and as they mixed in their own brand of jazz funk with elements of jam, electronic, world, rock, and blues. Guest vocalist Cyril Neville of the Neville Brothers gave some added context to their jamming with well sung soul verses. His addition was a great choice for their live shows to focus the evening and make their music a little more cohesive. The Rebirth Brass Band was also invited back on stage for a few selections.
