New Orleans instrumental ensemble Galactic have been pushing out jazz and funk infused with the sonic flavors of their hometown for over two decades, as fueled by the skins-pounding prowess of Stanton Moore and the sax-and-harmonica-howling of Ben Ellman. The trick to their longevity seems to be inviting guests to help them execute a particular vision: 2007’s From the Corner to the Block found them collabing with alt-hiphop artists Boots Riley and Chali 2na; in Ya-Ka-May, they paid tribute to their city’s diverse influences, from bounce to R&B, with Big Freedia and Trombone Shorty, among others; Carnivale Electricos continued this idea, but with a full conceptual Mardi Gras rendering and guest appearances by Ivan Neville, Mystikal, and David Shaw; and 2015’s Into the Deep featured artists they’ve made connections with over the past 20 years, ranging from soul queen Mavis Staples to greasy Southern backwoods rocker, JJ Grey. by Leilani Polk