On Carnivale Electricos, Galactic delivers exactly what the title promises. The funk band turns its attention to Carnival music, and electricity is central to every track. Carnival in New Orleans, Rio and Cajun Country may rely on acoustic instruments, but like From the Corner to the Block and Ya-Ka-May, Carnivale Electricos is the product of [...]
Tag Archives: Ben Ellman
Gypsyphonic Disko Remixes “Halftime (Stand Up and Get Crunk)” Balkan-Style
January 7, 2012 – 4:01 pm
A new remix by Gypsyphonic Disko (Ben Ellman and DJ Quickie Mart) always inspires a celebration, but this time it’s a celebration that’s inspiring a new Gypsyphonic remix. Just in time for the start of the New Orleans Saints’ NFC playoff run against the Detroit Lions tonight comes a Balkanized version of the Saints anthem [...]
The Soul Rebels, Unlock Your Mind (Rounder Records)
January 1, 2012 – 12:59 am
After 20 years in existence, the Soul Rebels furiously unleash a barrage of musicianship, originality, and range of accomplishment every bit as impressive and inspiring as today’s historically black college and university marching show bands from which the Rebels draw inspiration. For example, a version of the Eurythmics’ signature 1983 hit “Sweet Dreams (Are Made [...]
Trombone Shorty, For True (Verve Records)
September 1, 2011 – 12:59 am
Five years ago, a lot of people were wondering what the brightest young star of New Orleans music, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, was going to do next. Music industry insiders in Los Angeles and New York urged him to go all in, but Shorty stood pat, touring constantly and rehearsing his band Orleans Avenue incessantly. [...]
YouTube du Jour: Trombone Shorty and New Album For True
July 15, 2011 – 9:50 am
Trombone Shorty has spent much of the summer on tour in Europe. Here’s footage of an interview with him by a Dutch radio station, where he talks about learning circular breathing among other things. Shorty’s upcoming album, For True, is once again produced by Galactic’s Ben Ellman, and it’s due out September 13. Here’s a [...]
A Gypsyphonic Christmas
December 16, 2010 – 11:05 am
One of our favorite albums of last year was Nola-Phonic, Vol. 1, the free mixtape from Gypsyphonic Disko (Ben Ellman and DJ Quickie Mart). They’re back with a Gypsyphonic Christmas tune, “Drummer Boy Phonic” featuring Katey Red and Neil Diamond! The new Rock and Roll Hall of Famer meets bounce and the ba-rump-pa-pum-pums will never [...]
Clearing the Desk: Porter, Simon, Mixtapes and More
July 1, 2010 – 5:23 pm
–Word has been floating around about George Porter, Jr.’s legal issues with his former management, Highsteppin’ Productions. Neither Porter nor his lawyer are talking on the record, so here’s the most complete account of what’s going on so far: Legendary New Orleans bassist George Porter Jr., best known for his work with The Meters, played to [...]
Trombone Shorty, Backatown (Verve Forecast)
May 1, 2010 – 12:58 am
It didn’t take a genius to peg Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews as a national success waiting to happen. He’s young, good-looking and a born entertainer, he was also making credible jazz records when he was barely out of puberty. His roots are in the Treme Brass Band circuit—which, if the HBO series Treme does its [...]
Midnite Disturbers: Jazz Fest Focus
May 1, 2010 – 12:26 am
The idea for the Midnite Disturbers came at drummer Stanton Moore’s kitchen table. He and fellow drummer Kevin O’Day had been tossing around the idea of forming an all-star brass band, and they had called Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews to see what he thought. When he agreed, they started calling friends and ended up with [...]
