The Crossing, Dunham ****

If you dig the music of Charles Bradley, Sharon Jones or other soul kingpins, you’re also digging the work of the Menahan Street Band. The Brooklyn collective , founded by Thomas Brenneck and featuring musicians from El Michels Affair, The Dap-Kings, Antibalas and Budos Band, seem to hit the funk and soul sweet spot every time. Indeed, many hip-hop acts have taken notice: Jay-Z turned Make the Road by Walking into Roc Boys, and his lolly helped pay for the studio where The Crossing was recorded. These tight, moody, sumptuous instrumentals are widescreen, cinematic pace-setters, with detailed, punchy, textured playing taht draws you in and allows the drama to unfold. Expect the Menahan Street Band’s list of credits to expand yet again. menahanstreetband. com

Download: The Crossing, Three Faces