New Jersey's BuzzUniverse is a prog-rock band. No, they're a jam band. No, they're a world music band. Well, they're a funk band and a Latin band too. They are all these things and more.

BuzzUniverse came together when lead guitarist/frontman/songwriter Alex Garay and drummer Dave Migliore envisioned a power trio with horns. Enlisting the considerable talents of bassist Greg McLoughlin to round out the trio, the band found its voice with sax monster Brian Ciufo, violinist Meredith Rachel and vocalist Rose Lazroe. The band’s 2006 album “birdfishtree” was met with critical acclaim and the band won Relix Magazine's National Jamoff, garnering a nomination for “Best New Groove” at the 2008 Jammy Awards.

The band’s latest effort, “Living Breathing Magic,” underscores this band's determination to cast off labels and make the music it wants to make, regardless of genre. Columbian-born Garay displays his roots in “Caballo Viejo” and tips his hat to Buena Vista Social Club in the band's superb arrangement of “El Carretero.”

The band's prog roots are exhibited in “Catbootz” and “Jive,” while “Round and Round” and “(In the) Nighttime” reveal why the band won the Jamoff, and the band just rocks to its hearts content on “Another Way” and “You and Me” while “Evangeline” explores Americana via a cajun/country feel.

BuzzUniverse accomplishes great things on “Living Breathing Magic,” embracing a wide array of styles and melding it into something unique and highly satisfying.

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