Eight Gigs: Pimps of Joytime

The reemergence of soul music in recent years has generally evoked something between Motown pop and James Brown funk. But the soul groups back in the '70s were very eclectic. (Ever listen to a Parliament Funkadelic record in its entirety?) Pimps of Joytime is a soul band in this tradition. The music grooves hard, but varies drastically from song to song. There are light, early-Prince-esque jams, heavy bluesy funk, psychedelic soul and even a bit of EDM-influenced dance tunes. In other words, it runs the gamut. The latest record, Jukestone Paradise, is an excellent showcase of the band's chops and diversity. 2708 J Street, www.harlows.com.