''The Peacemakers"

When five of Austin’s most in-demand sidemen gathered for a casual jam, they had no idea it would turn into a weekly club residency, much less an album. But brothers Mike and Corey Keller and pals Johnny Bradley, Greg Izor and Willie Pipkin — all disciples of Chicago, Delta and Texas blues, plus Louisiana jazz and R&B — had so much fun together, they decided to hit the studio. Fifteen tracks later, they came out with The Peacemakers (Aug. 18, 2017), their self-titled debut. The Kellers have backed Marcia Ball, Paul Oscher, Gary Primich and Warren Hood, and drummer/vocalist Corey played with the late Nick Curran, while guitarist/vocalist and album producer Mike worked with the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Doyle Bramhall and Double Trouble. Bassist Bradley has toured the world with Gary Clark Jr.; harp player/vocalist Izor has played with Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets; and guitarist Pipkin’s credits include the South Austin Jug Band, Emily Gimble and Toni Price. The chops that earned them those gigs come through on every one of these seven covers and eight originals — one of which, “Evangeline Shuffle,” is named for Evangeline Café, the Cajun-flavored club where they play most Wednesdays when they’re not busy with those other top talents. Because the Kellers and Pipkin also perform in harp player/vocalist Izor’s band, the Box Kickers, and Izor, Pipkin and Mike Keller played together in the Little Elmore Reed Blues Band, there was little worry about anyone having to play peacemaker in this outfit. But according to Bradley, the reason for their chemistry is simple. “It’s like a conversation,” he says. “What makes a band grab me is how they respond to each other. It’s all about paying attention and matching enthusiasm.” The Peacemakers have tons of that — and they’re happy to share.