The Mighty Underdogs; Galactic

Comments (0) By Rick Mason Wednesday, Feb 4 2009

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Since its inception some 15 years ago as an instrumental outfit, New Orleans's Galactic has adeptly rolled with waves of fortune and misfortune, all the while nurturing an innovative brand of furious future funk. The core quintet may favor the "future" tag, but deep in Galactic's soul is a slew of Crescent City traditions: second line rhythms, Mardi Gras Indian street beats, brass bands, and jazz. Master drummer Stanton Moore and the rest of the krewe go back to the future by conjuring incisive contemporary twists, most notably a swamp-doused dose of hip hop. Galactic's last album, 2007's electrifying From the Corner to the Block (Anti), responded to the departure of vocalist Theryl deClouet by inviting a rapper-dominated variety of guests—ranging from Juvenile to Digable Planet's Ladybug Mecca to Wild Magnolias' Big Chief Monk Boudreaux—to address the street-life theme. Among the contributors were underground rap kingpins Lateef the Truth Speaker and Gift of Gab, who join Galactic on this tour along with their new partner, Bay Area bassist/producer Headnodic. The trio, collectively known as the Mighty Underdogs (who will open the show), recently released their debut, Droppin' Science Fiction (Definitive Jux), an accomplished mix of eclectic sounds, itself populated with numerous guests. 18+.
Sat., Feb. 7, 8 p.m., 2009