Projekt

Back in 2005 the DJ Williams Projekt released Projekt Management and over the intervening years the band has been hitting it hard on the road. For the uninitiated, the Virginia-based Williams is not a turntablist of any form but rather a guitarist comfortable in the funk, jazz and blues idioms. Eleven showcases the group’s many colors over, fittingly enough, eleven tracks.

While at times the music still feels a bit too comfortable and familiar, there is no denying the energy of Williams and his brass attack on songs like “Take Off Yo Pants.” The five years between albums also has served the band and music well, as many of the songs feel deeper and more soulful than on Projekt Management. The slow blues of “Remember Me” is one example, as is the New Orleans vibe of “Mrs. J.”

There is no question that Eleven is a calling card for the band’s live show but it’s still a solid, pleasing effort in its own right.