Loveable? I guess. Dogs? Maybe. They’ve got all the musical tricks new and old, and they’re not jumping through hoops to get their rootsy message across.

Elegant arrangements, diverse tunes, strong presentation, and and straight-ahead musicianship conjure up a package worthy of the most sophisticated listener’s ear.

Considering the geographical locale of the Dogs, the comparisons to Roomful of Blues will be inevitable. That’s a good thing because this band stands on its own four feet. They take calculated musical risks, but still are conscientious from a standpoint of detail (at least where the retro aspect is concerned). The music, be it original or cover, takes on a jivy identity that is all their own.

Whether you’re pup or an old hound to this style of jump, jive, and wail, this horn and guitar-driven aggregation will be just what the big dog ordered. From Ray Charles to Keb Mo you’ll find the humor of the past and the drive of the present, delivered with equal aplomb. WOOF! Tone Cool Records, 6 Abbot Road Annex, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481, www.tonecool.com