I’ve been a Galactic fan for more than 20 years, listened to every album they’ve put out, and seen them live about 20 times through several configurations. They’ve changed from emphasizing vocals to instrumentals and back and play a wide range of music, from heart-pumping funk to jazz and blues and gospel. And I like it all, but I’ve gotta say “Audience with the Queen” is a new favorite album.
In the “Behind the Scenes,” videos, they tell Irma that she’s going to sound young on the record and much to her amazement, she does, and I can absolutely confirm that. The Queen sounds phenomenal for any age and her melding with the veteran Galactic crew is all that one might imagine for this tour de force release. Have a read and listen to my track-by-track coverage and enjoy the videos!
Track-By-Track
How Glad I Am is an amazing start to the album. Like anyone who’s listened to New Orleans music, I’ve enjoyed hearing Irma Thomas for a long time. The purity of the sound kicking off this track is stunning. It immediately delivers the power of Irma’s voice. When she hits the chorus line “You don’t know, how glad I am” at its apex, it’s heaven. The tune really lays it out there in no uncertain terms — this is no ordinary Galactic album — it’s Galactic with the Queen, Irma Thomas.
Where I Belong is a heater and could fit in the old Motown catalog with Martha (Reeves) and the Vandellas, reminiscent of Dancin’ in the Streets. It’s all in the emphasis of the lyrics from Irma, “I guess I’m right…where I belong,” with the phrasing delivering the message. The band themselves cook on this one, with a super-punchy horn line, Stanton Moore’s groove unmistakable. Rich crushes the organ; Jeff and Rob are always locked in.
Love’s Gonna Find A Way Again slows it down to a Big Easy pace. Ben Ellman is one of the best on the harmonica of the last 20 years, and I love to hear him rip on it. This is a song of hope with the most soulful singing from Irma.
Lady Liberty is an anthemic call to action. It’s on par with classics like “Yes We Can” from the Pointer Sisters. It’s a sympathetic plea to take action for a better world. It’s also got a short but solid sax solo from Ellman.
Puppet On Your String sounds like an old-time classic love song with Irma and the band in top form. The black and white video adds a retro feel. The setting in Esplanade Studios is perfect – it happens to be the same recording studio as Snarky Puppy’s Family Dinner, Volume 2 — it has a real spiritual, church-like feeling.
In My Heart offers up an encouraging message to live your life and “enjoy the ride” and “be strong inside.” The strong horn line here is accentuated by Ben Ellman’s sax flourishes throughout. The band is effortlessly soulful and funky.
People follows the theme of “this too, shall pass,” that “in due time, the world will become a better place.” It’s a timeless message for today with that old school feel. The tone me of the tune “Dancin’ In the Street,” in that it’s upbeat even as it has a more serious theme. The “ooo, ooo, ooo” lyrics closing it out punctuate this great tune.
Over You is an edgy, bluesy lamentation of lost love and carrying on with life. The anger and disappointment are palpable here, and Jeff Raines on guitar and Ben Ellman on harmonica add extra heat to the sauce.
Be Your Lady is a funky, progressive courting song. The lyrics are catchy and timeless, as classic Motown songs often were. It simultaneously highlights Irma’s voice and Galactic’s mastery. Ivan Neville has a sweet organ solo in this one. It’ll be a great sing-along song if we get to hear it at a live show.
Credits
Vocals – Irma Thomas
Bass, Guitar – Robert Mercurio
Guitar – Jeff Raines
Keyboards, Organ – Rich Vogel
Drums, Percussion – Stanton Moore
Saxophone – Ben Ellman
Trumpet – Eric Gordon
Backing Vocals – Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph*, Boyfriend , Josh Kagler, Princess Shaw, Sean Carey
Organ – Ivan Neville (Be Your Lady)
Percussion – Mike Dillon (Be Your Lady), Pedro Segundo
Strings – Rick G. Nelson*