Vinyl, a young, energetic group of funk-masters hailing from California, seem to be taking the Bay Area by storm. Vinyl’s self-titled debut album combines a laid-back groove and easy style which is as irresistible as it is listenable. This is not to say, however, that the music zones out into zombie repetition.

It mutates and progresses without ever seeming forced or halting. Their changes seem natural and smooth (which means that even those not dance-talented will be able to keep the rhythm without those embarrassing “What do I do?” moments during choppy time-changes).

The sweet sounds of a Hammond Organ are skillfully overlapped by jazzy bass lines, killer Latin percussion and guitar work which ranges from ska to blues to rock and everything in between. Don’t expect to hear any vocals-this band is strictly instrumental, but beautiful trumpet, sax, and flute arrangements provide the only vocal-lines needed. Whether playing as a collective or trading off licks, Vinyl is on it.

If this CD isn’t enough for you, Vinyl released a follow up live album, Live at Sweetwater, which continues  to deliver the funk in a live release of exceptional quality. Excluding the crowd noise, it could pass for studio work.

Oh, yeah, if you dig it but aren’t a CD fan, their live release indicates that the album is also available on-you guessed it-vinyl.