The New Masterhounds/Moon Hooch

From funky note one of The New Mastersounds’ latest album, Made for Pleasure, it’s clear that the band has remained tight as hell and fully intent on delivering the aural goods. Since the turn of the millennium, this Leeds-based jazz fusion outfit set itself apart by throwing down classed-up, danceable funk. Their tunes are often stripped-down (see “Enough is Enough,” which still packs a punch worthy of a night full of hip swerves), but that’s sort of the point: The band is aware of the space between notes. Take a listen to this whole album and tune into each musician; they’re all letting the songs breathe, and we in turn can move in time to the music that much more. (Eric Sandy)