During several extended periods John Ellis called New Orleans home. Now living in New York and increasing his reputation as a member of Charlie Hunter’s trio, Ellis steps out with some New Orleans friends-trumpeter Nicholas Payton, drummer Jason Marsalis and bassist Roland Guerin-plus electric keyboardist Aaron Goldberg, guitar giant John Scofield and harmonica player Gregoire. Ellis picks up not only the tenor and soprano saxophones but bass clarinet and ocarina on an eclectic-and quite literally electric-program of primarily original material. Considering the company on tunes such as “Happy” and “One For The Kelpers,” it’s not surprising that funk rises from the swamp. Both feature Ellis and Scofield in the lead and in the groove. “Chalmette Shwarma” teams the reedman and Payton with the two playing the tune straight-up at the onset to soon head for edgier boundaries. While Ellis excels in blowing free, beneath remains the remembrance of stints on the bandstand with the Ellis Marsalis Quartet. Meanwhile Payton burns. New Orleans enters the picture on the Latin-tinged “Sippin’ Cider” with its cheerful mood and second line rhythm.