Saxophonist and singer/songwriter James Martin’s latest release, From Here., opens with a piano riff right out of the old school New Orleans R&B sensibility. It makes perfect sense when you realize Ivan Neville is on keys. The tune, “When It Rains It Pours,” percolates with classic New Orleans funk. Roger Lewis of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band adds some baritone sax. es Martin: From Here

The song is also a hint at what’s to come over the course of the eight-song album. Martin is as New Orleans as it gets, having attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) and having toured the world, representing the modern New Orleans musical archetype.

He doesn’t shy away from music designed to get people moving as is evidenced by the second cut, “Joyride.” The horns, the groove and his emotive voice could fit in amid a set of covers at a destination wedding in the French Quarter. Which also makes perfect sense, because in addition to playing with his own band, Martin fronts the Big Easy Band and has played countless weddings, conventions and special events.

While the album oozes old school soul grooves, Martin also enlists two well-known local rappers, Alfred Banks and kr3wcial, bringing the record straight into the 21st century. Banks spits a verse on “From Here. (It’s In Your Heart)” and kr3wcial appears on “Turn Me Up.”

While the former walks the line between musical generations, “Turn Me Up” was co-produced by bounce music legend, Darrius “Deezle” Harris and features more hip-hop elements than any of the other songs on the release. Other special guests include Erica Falls, Shamarr Allen and “Tuba” Steve Glenn.

While clocking in at a scant 28 minutes and change, From Here. feels like a complete musical statement from an artist who has been forging his own way with a long-running band that has clearly honed these tunes to sharp-edged excellence.

James Martin: From Here