Breakestra

Photo by Jeff BenderWHAT:Beloved hip-hop/funk ensemble. KOOL IT, NOW:Though Breakestra pay homage to funk/soul/jazz greats such as the Meters, James Brown and Sly Stone, leader Miles Tackett cites (early, pre-“Celebration”) Kool and the Gang as his most inspirational funksters.IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR:Multi-instrumentalist Tackett, who started playing music at 8 years old, is the son of Little Feat axman Freddie Tackett.IN DA CLUB:Born in ’97 out of Tackett’s weekly party the Breaks, the combo found their wild funk jams — featuring local MCs working their flows over F.T.’s instrumental grooves — becoming a local phenom. A competent DJ as well, Tackett now co-hosts and spins at two clubs: the Rootdown at Little Temple and Funky Sole at Star Shoes.RAPPER’S DELIGHT:“When I first got into hip-hop and realized they were sampling old stuff, I wanted to know who made the music originally. These beatmakers would take the best part of a track and make it something new,” says Tackett. “I got into making beats myself, and then incorporating the same rhythms and little breaks live on instruments with the band.”PAPA’S GOT A BRAND NEW BAG:Badass covers are one thing, but with its latest album, Hit the Floor, the group shows off some scorching original material, all of which holds its own next to the greats it emulates so well.EBONY & IVORY:It’s a yin-and-yang thang when Tackett and co-crooner Mixmaster Wolf get together in the studio and onstage. Wolf’s wildman party rants and raps make a crackling contrast to Tackett’s smooth & soulful vox and more personal songwriting approach. GET DOWN TONIGHT:From “Stand Up!” — “Got that bottom shakin’ with no hesitation baby/slide on down the line to my marination baby/You got to stand up let me see those hands/Jump up act a fool, stomp & dance.” Roger on that.