Animal kingdom

The band features veterans from such acts as Highball Holiday, The Pacers, International Jet Set, The Essentials and De La Buena. Heard of 'em? No, me either. but they seem like a skilled crew. The Essentials provided soulman Black Wolf, and his well-staffed backing crew provide the funky, soulful grooves necessary to sustain the operation.

Black Wolf checks the now sounds of guitarist Dan Flynn.



He's got a Rick James kind of thing going on.



Danny Fernandez also provides some stirring vocals.



Cecilio Negron Jr. adds conga power.



Dave Wake handles the keys.



I see you!



Andy Noble isn't just the bassist, he also got the project rolling. Yu can see a bit of trombonist Dave Cusma at rear.



Taking it easy action!



Jeremy Kuzniar mans the traps.



More brass, with Cusma and trumpeter Eric Jacobson



Cecilio shouts!



They're having fun.



Unfortunately the closest they're going to be to Ottawa anytime soon is Chicago September 25 for the World Music festival.

• Show reminder: Play Guitar and The Girlfriends will be terrifying the innocent coffee-drinkers at Raw Sugar Cafe; Strung Out, Rufio, Mute and We Are The Union are at Babylon.