Gambit Weekly Review
Musician Tree Adams has composed scores for “NCIS: New Orleans,” “The 100” and “Californication,” and in a past life, he fronted New York City jam band The Hatters. In his latest project, Dagnasterpus, listeners can hear both the cinematic quality of his TV work and the groove of a jam band, but here the music is all New Orleans funk. Dagnasterpus — described in the liner notes as a “benevolent, mythical creature” that’s part Poseidon, octopus and Buddha — released its self-titled debut album in June and, along with guitarist-singer Adams, features New Orleanians Cyril Neville, keyboardist Joe Ashlar and drummer Eric Bolivar. The album was recorded in both New Orleans and Los Angeles, and other players include drummer Yayo Morales, bassist Carl Sealove, trombonist Shaunte Palmer and trumpeter Jordan Katz.
Dagnasterpus bleeds cool. On several songs, Adams crafts smooth characters: a female secret agent thinking quick on “Crawlin’ With Vipers”; the undefeatable, titular “Mac Champion”; even a pooch is a bad bitch on “Rosalie.” Other tracks, like “Jinx Tattoo,” slink along with smoke and the power of warm New Orleans nights. And throughout, Dagnasterpus keeps moving with tight horns, muscly guitars and an irrepressible groove. — JAKE CLAPP.