Soulive

Jazz

There's a reason every Soulive review alludes to the band's smooth attire. This new-generation organ trio -- which recently became a quartet, with the addition of saxophonist Sam Kininger -- knows a thing or two about style. Strip them of the duds, though, and you've merely got four guys slogging their way through super-slick, standard-issue instrumental pop. Next, their sophomore effort on Blue Note Records, pursues mediocrity with astonishing ardor. There's literally nothing to distinguish the limpid "Liquid" and alkaline "Alkime" from outright smooth-jazz. "Kalen," which grooves a bit harder, suffers from an insipid alto saxophone melody. Even guests can't liven things up: Amiel Larrieux swoons prettily but unremarkably on "I Don't Know," while Black Thought pays perfunctory lip-service on "Clap!" Meanwhile, Dave Matthews' turn on Ani DiFranco's "Joyful Girl" -- backhandedly hailed as "ponderous pop" in the notes -- may be the single most dispiriting thing this reviewer has heard all year. All of which is unfortunate, given the high-caliber musicianship of guitarist Eric Krasno and brothers Neal and Alan Evans (respectively on organ and drums); they owe it to themselves, and us, to do better. Perhaps in concert -- with vocalist N'Dambi, DJ Mister Rourke and MC Shuman -- they will.

Mon., April 29, 8 p.m., $17.50 in advance, $20 day of show, Theater of the Living Arts, 334 South St., 215-922-1011.

—Nate Chinen

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