First, let me say this about Galactic.
2025 will mark the band's 30th year together. This premier New Orleans funk band has evolved from five talented guys jamming around the grooves of their forefathers, to an in-demand quintet of musicians that can adapt to any musical situation. Rich Vogel, Jeff Raines, Robert Mercurio, Ben Ellman and my favorite living drummer who isn't Ringo Starr, Stanton Moore, have solidified their place alongside some of the greatest New Orleans musicians, as well as musicians from all over the world, because they have never forgotten the music of the people that came before them. Galactic is delivering modern music without abandoning their roots, with each new record exploring new ground from techno to New Orleans bounce, as well as rap, soul and Carnival. They have never rested on their laurels.
Do I need to say anything about Miss Irma Thomas? The answer is no, but I will anyway. Irma Thomas recorded her first single in 1958 when she was 17 years old. Now, at 84, and 60 plus years of solid R&B and gospel music later, Thomas is singing better than ever.
So what do we get when these forces join together?
"Audience With The Queen" is a record so special, it just might be the best release of both artists' careers.
The set opens with a cover of the Nancy Wilson hit "How Glad I Am," a song that has been covered countless times since 1964, by everyone from Aretha Franklin and Chrissie Hynde to Kiki Dee, Maria McKee and Sandie Shaw. But the reading here is not just another cover. This is church, baby. This sets the table for a menu of tight, soul lifting songs, some of which could rightly be called "protest songs." Just listen to "Lady Liberty."
Irma Thomas is fired up. At 84, she sounds like a singer of 44, delivering the goods with a now or never passion. Credit must go to producers, Galactic members Ben Ellman and Robert Mercurio. When you've got the Queen Of New Orleans soul coming to work, the task must be daunting. But you'd never know it from the joy that exudes from these grooves.
"Audience With The Queen" is a slim and graceful 31 minutes long, and it sure flies by. There are no missteps here. This record is a perfect ten and I just hope Irma has at least one more record in her, especially if it's a sequel to this gem.
21 comments:
I pre-ordered this from iTunes earlier this year. Looking forward to spending the weekend listening to this!
I'm at track 4 out of the nine. It's a ton of fun.
- Paul in DK
Spot on, Sal. The record is a perfect 10. I'd love for them to make another, but if they don't, they caught lightning in a bottle here.
Off to FQF! John Boutte is up first today. C'est bon!
Pretty wonderful!
In terms of where it sits with Irma’s other albums, I’m taking this alongside After The Rain - Stanton was there too of course - to that desert island. It’s also bringing to mind a left field thought - how incredible it might have been if the Queen had recorded with Prince.
Got a chance to listen to this earlier today. A delightful album, really upbeat. And as you mentioned, it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Irma sings like someone 30 years younger than she is.
Digging the cover too!
Excellent! I'm missing JazzFest again this year - haven't been since 2019 - GOT to get back there next year, I hope !!
This album is great! Hoping to catch her tomorrow at FQF.
Oh man, that's mighty fine. I'm picking this one up, that's for sure.
I'm having my morning coffee and listening to the album. What a great way to start the day! I can't believe she's 84.
Okay, that's pretty transplendent. 😎
Sal, have you ever seen this cookin' Pilgrim Jubilees performance of 'Testify'?
Hazel
Sorry, forgot the link, I was so excited!
Hazel
I pasted it, honest!! So, again - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBdgh_6AASQ
Just received my copy today and I completely agree. It’s one very fine record!Im amazed at how great Irma sounds. Tx to Tipitinas record club!This is one of their best releases!
Irma Thomas is perfect every time.
Just an amazing record and agreed that its the best that either Galactic or Irma have made (and I loved the last one that Irma did for Newvelle). Galactic is coming to the EU, and I'll see them in June, but sadly, Ms. Irma doesn't travel much these days. However, I understand she still routinely takes home the biggest purse when she sits in at the poker table.
I saw her last night at French Quarter Fest, and I can confirm that she is still singing unbelievably well. At 84, she is still singing some of her early songs in the same keys that she originally recorded them in. For those that don’t know, many singers start dropping the keys of their songs in their 40s or 50s, so that they can still reach the high notes. She also clearly still loves what she’s doing, and performs with an amazing amount of energy and elan.
And one more thing about Galactic. In addition to their outstanding music, they also bought Tipitina’s, saving it from oblivion. Because of them, I’ll be able to see John Cleary there tonight.
The Irma set is being broadcast on WWOZ this morning. 12:00 est.
Great album! Hard to believe that she's 84 with an amazing voice like that!
Post a Comment