The ensemble — which has collaborated with Wu-Tang Clan, Katy Perry, Nas, Portugal. The Man, Metallica and many others — plays Riverfront Live on Thursday, Feb. 27 with local Funk/Afrobeat crew Ernie Johnson From Detroit
The Soul RebelsPhoto: Artistry MusicBrass group The Soul Rebels represents the spirit of New Orleans’ rich musical tapestry as well as almost anyone in history. The argument that they are perhaps the best candidates to be 21st-century musical ambassadors for New Orleans can be found in the breadth of artists they’ve collaborated with over the years, spreading the fierce Funk, Jazz and Hip Hop of N’awlins across genres and generations — the eight-piece collective has worked with Katy Perry, Nas, G-Eazy, Portugal. The Man, Talib Kweli, Metallica, Robert Glasper, Macklemore and Robin Thicke, to name just a few. They’ve even opened for The Rolling Stones and, later this year, they’ll be backing up the Wu-Tang Clan at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
The Rebels’ latest album, last year’s Poetry in Motion, revels in that collaborative spirit more than any of their previous recorded work. Among others, the album’s guest list features many of N.O.’s finest, from Brandford Marsalis and Trombone Shorty to Big Freedia, Dee 1 and Mia X. Hell, even Emeril Lagasse pops up on a track, adding some spice to the already red-hot hometown anthem “Down for My City.”
Local Funk/Afrobeat ensemble Ernie Johnson From Detroit will add to the Rebels’ groove when their Poetry in Motion Tour pulls through Cincy.
8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27. $20; $25 day of show. Riverfront Live, 4343 Kellogg Ave., Columbia-Tusculum, riverfrontlivecincy.com.