The Goods: Galactic, Karl Denson, Slip and The Jigs

By Aaron Davis (for JHWeekly.com)Funk purveyors get Knotty Yes, its funk week here in The Goods. Can you believe Galactic’s been at it since 1994? Locals have seen a lot of this New Orleans project over the years, and thus the evolution from its funk roots ala The Funky Meters, to hip-hop, electronica and jazz-fusion. The band’s last time through, in November 2009, was in support of hip-hop focused album, From the Corner to the Block. Now, Galactic returns with what is its most adventurous studio effort to date, Carnivale Electricos, drawing on the all-night party stamina of its annual Lundi Gras show that goes till sunrise and leads sleeplessly into Mardi Gras Day. Unfortunately, the band can’t bring the 40-piece high school marching band or the legendary Al “Carnival Time” Johnson with it. But, you will get to see one of the best drummers of my generation, Stanton Moore, as he uses phrase samplers to produce intricate and layered drum sounds, not to mention heavy-hitting funk. Galactic throws down at 10 p.m., Tuesday, at the Knotty Pine in Victor. Tickets are $35, available at the Knotty Pine, or 208-787-2866. Tiny Universe equals massive groovesKarl Denson’s last trip to Jackson was spent with rapper Chali 2na last February, and previous to that, with The Greyboy Allstars at the Pink Garter in March of 2010. Hearing his sax lines on Lenny Kravitz’s Let Love Rule (1989), and the groundbreaking, Mama Said (1992), and then under his own terms with soul-jazz-funk revivers The Greyboy Allstars on West Coast Boogaloo (1995), Denson’s trajectory is approaching that of fellow blower Maceo Parker’s sustained career. While it’s been a few years since Denson’s last studio effort, Brother’s Keeper, we’re likely to benefit from his recent collaborations during the Jam Cruise marathon sessions. Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, 9 p.m., Thursday, at the Pink Garter Theatre. General admission tickets are $25 advance, $28 day-of-show at PinkGarterTheatre.com or at the door. Don’t forget PattyIf you want to avoid getting funked-out this week, splice up your intake with traditional Irish music via Slip and The Jigs this St. Patty’s Day. Gorge on corned beef and cabbage and Guinness specials with this varying, sometimes 8-piece ensemble of multiple fiddle power.  Other festive options include traditional fare, Irish stout and bagpipers at Snake River Brew Pub and The Miller Sisters at the Mangy Moose, 4 to 8 p.m. Slip & The Jigs, 7 to 10 p.m., Saturday, at the Silver Dollar Bar in the Wort Hotel. Free. 733-2190.