Article Contributed by Color Red
Published on 2026-05-02
Photo: Courtesy of Mark Pagani
When three groove masters of modern funk and soul-jazz converge, sparks are bound to fly. The Breaks brings together guitarist Eddie Roberts (The New Mastersounds), drummer Stanton Moore (Galactic), and organist Robert Walter (The Greyboy Allstars)—three musicians whose collective groove has shaped the sound of contemporary funk for over two decades. The album is available today via Roberts’ label Color Red.
Listen to the Self-Titled Debut Album
Rooted in the tradition of late-’60s organ trios and hard-hitting boogaloo, The Breaks pushes the sound forward with deep-pocket rhythms, tight arrangements, and fearless improvisation. Eddie Roberts’ sharp, melodic guitar work dances effortlessly over Stanton Moore’s explosive New Orleans-infused drum grooves, while Robert Walter’s signature Hammond organ tones tie it all together with grit and soul.
Between them, they’ve logged countless tours, recorded landmark albums, and collaborated with a who’s-who of the modern jam, funk, and jazz worlds. But in The Breaks, the chemistry feels spontaneous—three kindred spirits locking into a groove and letting it ride.
“Even though this is a new band, there are years of history between us,” says Walter. “These are two of my favorite musicians and two of my closest friends. I’m also a huge fan of both Eddie and Stanton. It’s so easy and fun to play music with these people. It’s like putting on a pair of well broken-in comfortable shoes.”
“All three of us have known each other for many years, some 20 to 30 years—this was a band just waiting to happen,” adds Roberts. “In March 2025, while all playing a small festival in Colorado in different bands, we converged in the green room and decided it was time to form a band, and proceeded to book a recording session to kick things off.”
Their musical connection, however, stretches back decades. “The very first time we played together was actually many years ago,” Roberts recalls. “The Stanton Moore trio featuring Robert Walter had a festival show in Ohio and their guitar player’s flight had been cancelled. I was called on the morning of the show and asked if I could get there. I happened to be in Chicago visiting a friend, and we jumped in his car and my friend drove me five hours to get there just in time for soundcheck. I learned all the songs on the journey and as soon as we all got on the stage, our connection was instant. However, it was another 20 years until we formed The Breaks.”
That long-simmering chemistry comes to fruition on the band’s debut album, recorded in October 2025 at Marigny Studios. “It seemed an appropriate place to record, as all three of us have lived for at least a few years in New Orleans in the past,” Roberts explains. “You can really hear the influence of the city in the music.”
The sonic palette draws from deep lineage while remaining distinctly their own. There are clear influences of classic organ trios from the ’60s and The Meters, as well as New Orleans legends like Eddie Bo, Ernie K-Doe, and Professor Longhair.
Roberts also shaped the album behind the boards. “My main producer role is the ‘sound’ of the record,” he says. “That includes choices on mic placements, snare drum sounds, some arrangement changes, and then the important task of mixing the album to how I want it to feel.”
The debut album also features guest horn players Brad Walker (saxophone), John Michael Bradford (trumpet), and Big Sam Williams (trombone), who appear on three of the album’s eight tracks, along with percussionist Pedro Segundo, who guests throughout.
To celebrate the release, The Breaks will perform their third show in New Orleans at Tipitina’s on May 2, opening for Neal Francis. Additionally, the group will appear at High Sierra Music Festival in Grass Valley, California over Fourth of July weekend, and at Fuji Rock Festival at Naeba Ski Resort on July 26.
From sweaty club sets to major festival stages, The Breaks deliver a sound that’s both deeply rooted and constantly evolving—a raw, joyful celebration of rhythm and musical conversation.
TRACK LIST
1.) Hasheesh
2.) Snowballers
3.) Scapegoats
4.) Goldilocks
5.) Party Like a Rich Kid
6.) Blood Cover
7.) Offsides
8.) Inheritance Powder
