Founded in 2011 by musicians who have been involved in the New Orleans music scene for quite some time, The Plum Magnetic is on a noble mission.

By crossing borders, melding genres, and blending elements from American, African, Cuban, and Indian Classical Music, The Plum Magnetic aims to promote harmonious unity-through-diversity.

Trent (banjo and vocals) met Oliver (drums) while playing in an eclectic local band that called themselves Eve’s Lucky Planet. After years of jamming to African, Reggae, and Afro-Cuban frequencies the backbone of Plum Magnetic formed naturally.

Trent and Oliver wanted to expand their sound so they brought Andrew into the group to play guitar. Trent and Andrew’s mutual love of Indian Classical Music, as well as Andrew’s 10+ years experience in Raga and Tala, made him the perfect choice.

Knowing they needed bass the trio began experimenting with different players until they found Jon Solomon.

Having opened for acts such as Italy’s NoHayBanda Trio, the UK’s World Service Project, and New Orleans’ The Magnetic Ear, The Plum Magnetic is having no problem impressing the right people.

Considering I have had their new album Terra Animata on repeat for several days now, I have no problem saying this is a must have album of 2013.

Terra Animata is jam packed of seamlessly woven musical genres from all across the world. It is overflowing with top-shelf musicianship. This is what the Grateful Dead would sound like with Bela Fleck and the Mahavishnu Orchestra.

The best part of this album is how the group manages to keep the groove firmly rooted in genuine New Orleans-esque vibes. This soundscape takes me back to a time when I lived down by the bayou. Something about it captures the NOLA atmosphere.

Go grab a few copies of this one and give them away as holiday gifts.

You can connect with the band on Facebook or Twitter.