New Orleans Suspects/Big Ship Trio

Relative newcomers on the NOLA scene, the New Orleans Suspects really began picking up nationwide acclaim but a few years ago. The band released Ouroboros last year, but it’s their eponymous album that still serves as their calling card. Throughout, pianist CR Gruver takes center stage as a lead man. He both drives the direction of the music and trades solo time with guitarist Jake Eckert and sax player Jeff Watkins (for example, “All the Money”). They’ve all managed to cook up some fine chemistry in their short time as a band, making their live show fun and funky in all the right ways. (Eric Sandy)