SNARKY PUPPY With a name like Snarky Puppy, you really don’t know what to expect. And even so, look further into the group and you’ll find the label of experimental jazz to be an entire understatement. The instrumental outfit creates an eclectic fusion of jazz, R&B, funk and some rock riffs, neatly spun together and performed through a rotation of 25 musicians. Though the group relies on a few core members, including Grammy Award-winners Robert “Sput” Searight on drums, Shaun Martin on keys, Cory Henry on the organ and multi-instrumentalist Louis Cato, the revolving ensemble of guest musicians guarantees an original performance for every show. Snarky Puppy’s talented musicianship is evident on their recent album, Ground Up, which was recorded live in front of a 40-person audience, yet trumps studio-recorded jazz with its raw effulgence. With “music to move the brain and booty,” according to the band’s website, Snarky Puppy has made a name for themselves in instrumental music.

Chelsea Rutledge