The New Orleans-based jazz-funk ensemble Galactic continues it's never-ending tour with a run of shows being dubbed as the "Brass Tacks Tour." For this string of shows, New Orleans treasure and monster of the skins Stanton Moore and friends, have added the exciting young trumpet player Shamarr Allen and trombonist Corey Henry of the Rebirth Brass Band to the ensemble. I caught Friday's show at The Fillmore At Irving Plaza At The Copa At The Latin Quarter In NYC On Earth (or whatever my least favorite venue in NYC is now called) and it was definitely a New Orleans party. Galactic's non-songs are propelled into a musical earthquake by Stanton Moore. His drumming never fails to boggle the mind.
With the intensity and piston-pumping throbs of John Bonham and the laid back subtlety and in-the-pocket grooves of NOLA greats Zigaboo Modeliste and John Vidacovich, Moore's magic carries this band, whose extended jams on simple riffs would become quite monotonous without his creativity and what seems like impossible moves on the drums. Shamarr Allen was a joyful addition. Allen is a tasty player and master showman. His presence and playful solos were a highlight on just about every song.
Corey Henry - Irving Plaza, NYC 10/18/08
Galactic- Irving Plaza, NYC 10/18/08
Ben Ellman - Irving Plaza, NYC 10/17/08
Galactic - Irving Plaza, NYC 10/17/08
Shamarr Allen 
Corey Henry As the longtime trombone player for Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers and the leader of his own Lil Rascals brass band, Corey Henry is the quintessential New Orleans horn player. His is a unique style steeped in New Orleans tradition and soul. As described by Kermit Ruffins, "He plays what we in New Orleans call 'tailgate style' -- laidback and swinging out".
Crown City Rockers
