Local brass band the Soul Rebels will kick off the Jan. 31release of their new album, Unlock Your Mind, with a release partySaturday night at Tipitina’s. The band, known for its funky spin onthe New Orleans brass style, is active on both the local andnational music scenes. The band will take a break from its weeklyshows at Le Bon Temps and begin a months-long tour Feb. 2, stoppingat venues everywhere from Rhode Island to California. The band willperform in New Orleans Feb. 19 to play a Mardi Gras Bash, so besure to catch some new songs live on Magazine St.

Offbeat praises the new album and the band’s fresh take onsoulful hits throughout the decades, including the Eurythmics'”Sweet Dreams,” Stevie Wonder’s “Living for the City” and AllenToussaint’s “Night People.” The Meters and Cyril Neville makeappearances on the album, playing into the Soul Rebels’ traditionof collaborating with other exceptional local artists. The CD isavailable for pre-order on the band’s website, where tickets arealso available for the party. Doors open at 9 p.m. Saturday, andtickets cost $11.