These grooves are molasses thick and dipped in a heady blues swing. The Rhythm Syndicate blends jazz, blues, and rock, delivering it all with the brisk, enthusiastic energy of a bar band. The horn-fueled quintet tends toward jazz, but lead guitarist Angelo Ciu’s succulent riffs refuse to be overshadowed by the strong swing elements. Highlights include the cocktail bop of “Tip Top,” “Lately (I’ve Been Thinking),” which mines a soulful doo-wop vibe, and the supple, low-riding funk rave “Soul Steppin.'” — Chris Parker

Rhythm Syndicate, Friday, August 18, at Tequila Blues in Avon Lake.

This article appears in Aug 16-22, 2006.

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