Soul Rebels
Unlock Your Mind (Rounder)
Reviewed by Jim Caligiuri, Fri., Oct. 12, 2012
Soul Rebels
Unlock Your Mind (Rounder)They've been a band for almost 20 years, but only recently have New Orleans' Soul Rebels gained a reputation outside of Louisiana. Unlock Your Mind digitizes an earnest representation of what the eight-piece brass band can do, although it isn't disrespectful to say they're better appreciated onstage. Guest turns from NOLA stars including Trombone Shorty, Leo Nocentelli of the Meters, and ex-local Cyril Neville brighten what's already an adventurous mix of traditional brass band jazz with reggae, go-go, rap, and even bounce. The dancehall rhythms of the title track, originally a hit for the Staple Singers, with Neville's super soul vocals, plus the loud, proud funk of opener "504" serve up instant highlights. George Clinton once righteously said, "Free your mind and your ass will follow." For Soul Rebels, those are words to live by. (6pm, Zilker stage)