Joe Marcinek’s latest release, The Groove Sessions, is a collection of jazz-funk tunes that will gently fry your mind with music at the highest intellectual level while never speaking down to you. This iteration of the Dead Funk Summit includes the amazing Greg Spero on keys, the Sanchez brothers—Ronnie (bass) and Manny (drums)—providing the rhythm section, Tracy Silverman on violin, Howard Levy on harmonica, and the incomparable Jesus Molina on piano. They have blessed us with a new, funky, cool CD featuring eight tunes sure to put a smile on your face and a bounce in your step.

Joe always finds the best musicians to collaborate with. Listening to the entire release is a pleasure right from the first track, “Funky G Sus (fast).” This piece feels more like a conversation than a song. Listen as the bass and guitar trade bars. The guitar then takes over, restating the case, with the piano picking up the shared ideas and adding more complex thoughts. Reminiscent of jazz greats, it’s a definite mix of old-school jazz with cool funk topping it all off.

Joe slows it down with the bluesy “Broad Strokes.” Notice the interaction between the guitar and keyboards while the rhythm section holds down a straightforward groove. This cut is a tonal poem of the first degree—tight improvisation set to a rock-solid base. The follow-up track, “Liminal Event,” has a space-travel feel, as though we’re being taken somewhere in just under a minute. It’s perfect for a rainy afternoon.

We then arrive at the sparkly, up-tempo “Liminoid,” where Joe is joined by Tracy Silverman on violin and Howard Levy on harmonica. Piano and keys drive the tune into improvised riffs by Howard and Tracy, prompting spontaneous head-bobbing and toe-tapping. Easily a jazz-funk classic, it stands out among a list of superlative songs.

But then “Gimme One Second” raises the bar again. Piano and harmonica lock in perfect rhythm; next, guitar and harmonica continue the feel. The piano mastery is so astonishing that all you can do is listen. The musicians lock onto each other as if they share a single mind. Tracy and Joe are in perfect sync, then the thought is tossed to Jesus and Howard, never losing the groove. Meanwhile, the rhythm section is locked on like a laser.

The aptly named “Vegas Nights” feels like a late-night tour of the Strip. Laid-back and funky, it glides along like a tourist hopping from venue to venue before sunrise. The piano rings clear and percussive throughout, and each musician seamlessly shifts from lead to support. When Greg comes in with some spacey, cool funk, the piano and guitar play off his statements and send them back. This is true artistry in the world of jazz.

We return to the beginning with a twist as “Funky G Sus (slow)” enters our minds. It’s like the original but slowed down for an entirely different feel. The bass is more present, and the drums feel a bit more driving at this relaxed pace. It’s a nice way to ease into the station after such a funky ride.

“So Many Cords” appropriately closes out the set. This audio dénouement ties up loose ends, answers lingering questions, and puts the collection to rest. It is pensive yet joyful, giving the release a satisfying sense of completeness.

Joe Marcinek is a man in motion—a writer, guitar virtuoso, and collaborator. He has put together an incredible roster of talented friends who are proud to have shared the stage with him. And he’s humble: meeting Joe for the first time, he is infinitely approachable, with a smile that makes you feel at ease and kind words that bring you into his confidence. His music likewise offers a welcoming vibe. There is no discord here; Joe brings the story full circle. His albums are each a complete work of thought and inspiration. Invite Joe into your music collection, and you’ll always have a bit of happiness at hand. If you’ve never heard Joe Marcinek and the Dead Funk Summit, The Groove Sessions is a fantastic introduction. If you’re already a fan, this one is a must-have.