TONY ENGELHART: TIGHT AND IMPROVISATIONAL >>>

Can a bunch of white boys in their 20s play Reggae and funk and actually pull it off? You bet your ass they can. With three horns blowing at a high-octane pace coupled with a tight-as-a-virgin-on-prom-night rhythm section, the seven piece band from Portland known as the Badfish Band brings up memories of the Ska scene in the mid-’80s with a little vintage James Brown thrown into the mix. Each member brings his own flavor to the group to create an improvisational jam band that will dare you to stay in your seat. They are fronted by Johnny D (vocals and guitar) who echoes the vocal styles of Jimmy Cliff. The band’s debut disc, Funk Yo Coach, captures all the elements of a live Bad Fish show as they transition from Curtis Mayfield-inspired funk to Sublime-esque third wave Ska revival.

The Badfish Band will play Jazzbones in Tacoma tonight.

[Jazzbones, 9 p.m., $7, 2803 Sixth Ave. Tacoma, 253.396.9169]