Rob’s Album of the Week: Galactic & Irma Thomas’ Audience with The Queen
The collaborative effort between Galactic, known for their New Orleans jazz-funk sound, and R&B soul legend Irma Thomas has resulted in the stellar album “Audience with The Queen.” Released on April 11 through Galactic’s Tchoup-Zilla Records, this album beautifully captures the essence of “The Big Easy” while paying homage to the city’s rich musical history and embracing its creative future.
When Thomas joined forces with bassist Robert Mercurio and saxophonist Ben Ellman for production, a seamless blend of her blues-tinged vocals and the band’s dynamic instrumentation was achieved. The marriage of vintage vocal style with contemporary musical arrangements creates a unique and brilliant sonic experience throughout the album.
As the weather warms up, the music industry is abuzz with various festivals taking place or being announced. This season is a thrilling time for musicians, promoters, fans, and everyone involved in the live music scene. The anticipation of upcoming shows and events offers a cathartic release for all music enthusiasts.
Highlighted tracks from “Audience with The Queen” include the energetic “Where I Belong,” featuring infectious harmonies and stellar drumming by Stanton Moore, the socially-conscious “Lady Liberty” driven by a gritty guitar riff, and the heartfelt closer, “Be Your Lady.” Galactic is set to perform at various venues, including a hometown show at Tipitina’s on April 26 and international festivals in France, Japan, and the U.S. Meanwhile, no upcoming performances have been announced for Irma Thomas at this time.
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In conclusion, “Audience with The Queen” is a must-have album for fans of jazz, funk, and soul music, showcasing the incredible synergy between Galactic and Irma Thomas. Get your hands on a copy and immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds crafted by these musical talents.