Music has a way of coming full circle, and in recent years, we’ve seen a resurgence of many iconic sounds from the past. While the world, and the media as a whole, has been in a frenzy around the Oasis gigs next year something a little more subtle, but no less significant, has been taking place. Acid Jazz pioneers Galliano have reformed, are playing live right now and recently released ‘Halfway Somewhere’. a new album that proves there is more than one Gallagher family in town!
One such comeback that has excited long-time fans and new listeners alike is that of Galliano, the acid jazz collective that helped define the genre in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Known for their infectious grooves, socially conscious lyrics, and unique fusion of jazz, funk, hip hop, and soul, Galliano’s reemergence is not just a nostalgic trip but a relevant addition to today’s eclectic music scene.
Formed in 1987 by frontman Rob Gallagher, Galliano was one of the flagship bands of the Acid Jazz Records label, alongside other bands like Jamiroquai, The Brand New Heavies, and Incognito. Acid jazz as a genre was more than a passing trend; it was a movement, especially in the UK, where DJs, musicians, and producers began fusing elements of jazz with contemporary genres like hip hop, funk, and house.
Galliano’s sound was always distinctive, with Rob Gallagher’s poetic, almost spoken-word vocal delivery, underpinned by a live band that effortlessly blended tight jazz riffs with the laid-back beats of hip-hop and funk. The band’s political and social commentary made them stand out even more, adding a sense of urgency and thoughtfulness to their music.
Their debut album, ‘In Pursuit of the 13th Note’, was an immediate success, followed by critically acclaimed releases like ‘A Joyful Noise Unto the Creator’ and ‘The Plot Thickens’. Tracks like Skunk Funk, Prince of Peace and Twyford Down became staples of the acid jazz scene, and Galliano quickly developed a devoted following.
However, after the release of their fourth album, 4 (a favourite of mine) in 1996, the band quietly disbanded, and Rob Gallagher moved on to other projects under different names (like Earl Zinger and William Adamson), delving into more experimental and niche genres.
The comeback: What sparked it?
Like many bands that helped shape an era, Galliano’s influence never truly disappeared. Acid jazz has seen a resurgence in recent years, with a new generation of musicians rediscovering the fusion of live jazz instrumentation with modern grooves. As tastes have cycled back to the genre-bending, beat-driven sound, fans have begun to crave the authentic pioneers of the style once more.
Galliano’s comeback is not merely a product of nostalgia, but also a response to the growing interest in acid jazz and its offshoots, like neo-soul and modern jazz fusion.
In late 2023, the buzz around Galliano’s reunion began to grow after cryptic social media posts from former band members, followed by the announcement of several reunion shows across Europe. These concerts, filled with both die-hard fans and newcomers, received overwhelmingly positive responses, prompting the band to commit to more extensive touring and recording plans.
Why Galliano still matters today
What makes Galliano’s return so exciting isn’t just the thrill of hearing their classic tunes live again, but the fact that their message and sound feel as vital now as they did 30 years ago. In a world grappling with political, environmental, and social upheavals, the socially conscious lyrics of tracks like ‘Twyford Down’ (which protested the destruction of the English countryside for motorway construction) seem eerily prescient.
Their ability to merge genres seamlessly also resonates in today’s genre-fluid music landscape, where playlists effortlessly jump from jazz to hip-hop, and artists are no longer confined to one style. Galliano was ahead of its time in that sense, and now, music has finally caught up with them.
Moreover, the band’s use of live instrumentation remains a refreshing contrast to the digital-heavy production techniques prevalent in much of today’s music. Galliano’s live performances are known for their organic energy, with each musician bringing their individual flair to the collective sound, something that resonates deeply with fans of live music in today’s increasingly digital age.
What’s next for Galliano?
As of 2024, Galliano has not only reassembled for live performances but has recently released the incredible new album ‘Halfway Somewhere’. The new album delivers a sound that is unmistakably Galliano, but pushes boundaries and musical genres perhaps further than even before! ‘Halfway Somewhere’ is, to me, the most exciting new music I have had the pleasure of listening to in a very, very long time. I genuinely urge everyone out there to check it out!
The new live shows
On Sunday 1st September 2024 I was lucky enough to be a member of the audience at Rough Trade East on Brick Land in London to witness Galliano live, and they blew the roof off! Playing a mixture of old school favourites and soon to become classics, the band cemented their rightful place at the head of the table in the resurgence of the acid jazz scene.
Rockers keep on rocking
Galliano’s comeback isn’t just a footnote in the resurgence of acid jazz – it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of music that challenges boundaries and speaks to deeper issues. As they step back into the spotlight, they bring with them a sense of history, relevance, and a renewed passion for the sound they helped to pioneer.
Whether you’re an original fan or someone just dipping your toes into the acid jazz waters, Galliano’s return is an exciting chapter in both their story and the evolving world of jazz-fusion music. So, if you get the chance to see them live or listen to the new album ‘Halfway Somewhere’, take it – because moments like this don’t come around often.
Why is this here?
Galliano’s music, and the acid jazz scene as a whole, is a big part of my creative journey, it is the music created by this seminal band, and others, that has been the inspiration behind my work for decades! Think of it as the fuel that drives the engine, without it I really could end up ‘Halfway Somewhere’.
