Seán Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band, Mystery (Be Still Records)

Seán Johnson may be best known across the city of New Orleans as the founder of Wild Lotus yoga studio. But in the music community he is well regarded as the leader of the Wild Lotus Band. Their latest album, Mystery, is another genre-blending recording that mixes various musical styles with uplifting, consciousness-raising lyrics akin to the teachings of the ancient traditions of yoga.

The album opens with a short, simply arranged tune, “Listen to Your Heart,” which reads as a statement of purpose. The second cut, “Turn That Wall Into a Door” jumps out of the speakers and gives listeners an idea of what the Wild Lotus Band brings to the musical table.

The song also features trombonist Mark Mullins, trumpet player Bobby Campo and saxophonist Jason Mingledorff. Their interplay and the gentle syncopation of the song make the tune one of the standouts on the album.

The horn players also appear on “In Each Other All Along.” A chant-like beginning reflects the spiritual nature of what is described in the notes as a love song, but by the song’s conclusion the band is trading vocal lines with the horn section until all the musicians come together in celebratory fashion.

The core of the Wild Lotus Band includes the lyricist Johnson on vocals and harmonium, Alvin Young on six-string fretless bass and Gwendolyn Colman on electric guitar, percussion and vocals. But reviewing the album without mentioning the stellar work of guest drummer Jeff Sipe might lead the reader to believe the music is more spiritual than danceable.

Sipe is a member of the Aquarium Rescue Unit, an acclaimed jam band, and has played with modern bluegrass sensations Leftover Salmon. He allows a perfect balance between Johnson’s earnest vocals and the album’s grooving proclivities, especially in conjunction with Colman’s subtle percussion work.

Though Mystery isn’t even close to being a reggae album, it brings many of the elements of that genre together, including positivity, consciousness, soul and self-awareness into a modern-day musical curry.