Review: North Mississippi Allstars fly high on ‘Set Sail’

The new album from the North Mississippi Allstars, “Set Sail,” is a 10-song set with a funk foundation

“Set Sail,” North Mississippi Allstars (New West Records)

It takes hard work to sound this relaxed.

The North Mississippi Allstars have mastered their métier and pin the meter on “Set Sail.” The 10 tunes from brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson and their casual collective are loose but tight, playful and joyful, high-flying but grounded in a groove.

It’s a family affair, and Luther channels his inner Sly Stone leading two- and three-part vocal arrangements that include Lamar Williams Jr., son of Allman Brothers bassist Lamar Williams Sr. The singalong vibe creates a hippy glow, and Luther sounds as if he has his feet up as he sings “feeling laid back” on the swamp romp “Bumpin’.”