Fondue Monks (Self-released)

The problem with the Fondue Monks' first two CDs, The Fondue Monksand Baila Toca, is that neither accurately captured what a truly groovy live act they are. In concert, vocalist Denver Courtney, guitarist Steve Olson, drummer Ronnie Zamorano and his bassist brother Rozz lock into a distinct sound that comes partly from how long they've been together (13 years and counting) and partly from their obvious zeal at playing for an audience.

So this one's been a long time coming. Live was recorded during a 2002 gig at Fitzgerald's, and the one distracting thing about it is the puzzling lack of crowd noise between songs. That quibble aside, the forum allows the Monks to stretch out their material with plenty of solos (mostly featuring Olson and the incomparable Rozz) that are lengthy but not too indulgent. At almost 17 minutes, "Testimony" is by far the longest track, a ride that, according to Courtney, lets you into "the comfort of your own narcolepsy."

Previous Monks album tracks such as "So It Seems" and "Do Un To U" are infused with a danceable blood-pumpingness; also solid is "Mojo Rising," a funky ode to Jim Morrison, whose deep voice was pitched a lot like Courtney's. Of the new material, "Portrait of a Man," "It's All Good" and "Falling Down" contain some of the Monks' catchiest melodies, often delivered by Olson's guitar fills. And, of course, Rozz's mighty big bottom gives the Monks' music its characteristic grounding throughout.

Not all the material works, however. "Lovely Lady" veers dangerously close to Night Ranger Lane, the lyrics on "Cup of Life" are a bit too trite, and "Breathe It In" is an exercise in vapidity. But these are minor beefs -- this is the live record that Monks fans have been praying for.