MRI

As a touring Dap-King for Sharon Jones and ensemble member of the Fela! house band, Cochemea Gastelum has embraced the background role with grace and aplomb. Now he’s busting out with an astonishing debut, The Electric Sound of Johnny Arrow. Gastelum’s focuses on Latin urban funk circa 1973, creating earthy, rhythmic textures with cowbells and congas. A loping flute in “Impala ‘73” brings the Malo vibe home as Gastelum punctuates the low-rider stroll. The album features an electric sax on most tunes, which produces a thin, metallic sound that eases gently in the lyrical ballad “No Goodbyes.” However, he is at his best when indulging his inner War ( “Fathom 5” with drummer Joe Russo ) and letting the grooves take over ( “Guardian Angel” ).