Galactic + JJ Grey & Mofro

TOMORROW NIGHT!

Since moving to Dallas in the Fall of 2009, there is one annual show I never miss, which is Galactic at the Granada in late October. The venue is a local favorite, providing national acts in an intimate setting along Greenville Avenue. Each October, the place is packed to the brim for Galactic. I’ve seen Galactic perform eight times and I can honestly say nothing can touch this jam rock out fit when they bring special guests to accompany the show, which is exactly what’s happening tomorrow night. Galactic’s past shows in Dallas have been accompanied by Corey Henry of Rebirth Brass Band sporting a Trombone and Corey Glover of Living Colour on Vocals.

This year Galactic will be accompanied by Corey Glover on vocals. In August 2004 Galactic parted ways with their lead vocalist Theryl “The Houseman” DeClouet. There is much to be said for an all instrumental Galactic show, so to me, it is great in its own unique manner, but it is a treat anytime they bring a special guest on vocals to Dallas for this epic annual throw down at the Granada.

Galactic consists of Jeff Raines featuring some funky guitar chops; Then there’s Robert Mercurio holding down the bottom end on the bass. We can’t Richard Vogel’s hammond B-3/Clavinet soaked sound on the keys and Ben Ellman’s electrified saxaphone, and to top it off Stanton Moore of godlike drums (who, in my opinion, is the best drummer and currently on tour).

In years past Galactic has busted out some really notable covers from Snoop Dog to Led Zeppelin, generating an overwhelming response from the crowd.

As for tomorrow night, you’ll want to get to the Granada early, because Galactic will be opening for JJ Grey & Mofro.

JJ Grey is the multi instrumentalist leader of JJ Grey & Mofro, described as a southern swamp rock group. Since the group’s first performance in 2001, JJ Grey & Mofro have gained popularity for their strong studio and live work.

The band caught my attention in 2007 during the second day of the Langerado Music Festival with a late afternoon set at the Sunset Stage. Not long after I saw the band open for Widespread Panic. In both instances, Grey’s vocals stood out amidst the background accompanyment. The horn section and tight rhythm gives the band a well-rounded sound.

We’re luck to have a JJ Grey and Galactic collaboration hitting Dallas tomorrow night. In 2009 I got too see Grey sit in for a rendition of The Rolling Stones “Sympathy for the Devil,” a closer to Galactic’s set at Bama Jam.

In the words of George Clinton, these two bands might just “tear tha roof off tha sucka” tomorrow night. Get there early for what is sure to be one of the best concerts in Dallas this year.