Will Bernard brought friends Stanton Moore, John Medeski and Andy Hess aboard for his latest release, Blue Plate Special. While the all-instrumental album is funky from start to finish, it isn’t anything we haven’t heard before. By staying reserved, Gov’t Mule bassist Hess allows Galactic drummer Moore to supply hard-hitting beats that give direction and emphasis in each song. His rhythm allows Bernard and Medeski to launch catchy, clean hooks and jam-oriented solos throughout the album.

While the musicianship is top-tier, the sound crisp and the album fun and easy to listen to, Blue Plate Special lacks distinction. “571” begins to scratch that itch with heavy distortion on the guitar and keyboard. Unfortunately, that sound never reappears that intensely again.

This album falls victim to the mixed blessing that is living in New Orleans, where the listener becomes jaded after being surrounded by such great music. This album is simply more of it, and it suggests that maybe we should think of albums differently. Instead of considering them new statements—Why does an artist have to have a new idea every time?—they should be thought of another edition.