The Codetalkers

"I didn't want to make a record that sounded like every song was the same," says Bobby Lee Rodgers of Now, the new album from his band, the Codetalkers.

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Now lives up to Rodgers' ambitions, and sounds like a true mashup. There's the funky blues of "Ike Stubblefield" ("Everybody wants to be like Ike Stubblefield!" exclaims Rodgers); the light pop of "Broken Home"; the rockabilly of "Tumblin' Down"; and the gauzy balladry of "Worlds Apart," which resembles something from an Oasis record.

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"The thing about it is it's the same guitarist, bass and drums. It's really the music that's making it diverse. It's really not the instrumentation, because it can't be, you know?" says Rodgers, pointing out that he, drummer Tyler Greenwell and bassist Ted Pecchio generate most of the sounds. Meanwhile, Col. Bruce Hampton, who co-founded the group, adds vocals and a guitar solo to "Sound Sister." The group co-produced Now with Jeff Bakos, giving it a raw and immediate vibe.

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Hampton and Rodgers formed the Codetalkers in 1999. Legendary in Southern roots circles, Hampton moved on to other projects, but continues to take part in the group as a sort of patron saint. Several members floated through the band before Rodgers nailed down a permanent lineup in 2004. Nevertheless, the Codetalkers now enjoy a status as one of the most eclectic bands on the jam scene although they've only released one disc, 2001's Deluxe Edition, to date.

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"It's been awhile since we put out an album," says Rodgers, who also performs as a solo artist. Problems between the Codetalkers and their previous label, Harmonize Records, caused the delay. They've since set up their own label, Collard Green Records, and secured distribution with a division of Sony/BMG.

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The Codetalkers may enjoy a sterling live reputation, but Rodgers promises that they'll soon be known for making great records, too, starting with Now. "We've got so many tunes that are stacked up in the closet. Now they're going to be coming out like wildfire," he promises.

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The Codetalkers with Col. Bruce Hampton play Smith's Olde Bar Fri., June 23, with Jamie McLean and Animal Liberation Orchestra. $12. 9 p.m. 1578 Piedmont Ave. 404-875-1522. www.smithsoldebar.com.