GogoLAB

Border Patrol, the third album from this Denver-based trio, features famed trumpeter Andre Mali, who wastes no time in showcasing his talent. The album’s opener, “Tumbleweeds,” immediately sets the theme and mood for the whole piece: road-tripping across the country, soaking up the intricacies and details of the landscape, keeping in mind that life is about the journey, not necessarily the destination. The album is full of jazzy drums and contemporary keys that utilize effects and distortion without detracting from the overall funk vibe. The mood changes slightly on “Trigger Man,” with a dark beat accented by feverish hi-hat hits and the impeccable trumpet of Mali, then peaks on the title track. A smoky story told by musicians obsessed with the journey, this ten-track odyssey is totally worth taking.