Half-Pint Jones (HPJ) is back and badder than ever. It’s been a while since this five-piece has taken the stage: The group been holed away, recording in Jake Cinninger’s (Umphrey’s McGee) Boondock Studio in Niles.

The result is a new self-titled album, the group’s third, which produces a sound rooted in rock but touching on funk, fusion, jazz and Latin music. HPJ will celebrate the lbum by taking over South Bendʼs Golden Gnome at 9 p.m. May 12.

From the integral role of the horn section (Mark Gamble and former band member Chris Olivier) to the soulful lead vocals and guitar (Justin Ross) to the funkified, melodic bass lines and steady, rollicking meter of the drums (Jayson Sites and Steve Krojniewski, respectively), the music on this album takes the listener on an eventful journey.

“The songs on this album touch on some of the many emotions we as human beings are exposed to,” Ross said. “Beauty, frustration, love, and loss; all the common experiences life has to offer serve as a catalyst for the song-writing process.”

“I think the laid-back nature of the recording studio is felt throughout the album. The tempos and general vibe of the album feels very relaxed and has a lot of swagger,” Sites said. “That particular detail was a crucial element on every track.”

Never a band to take the expected path, members of HPJ said they are intent on making this CD release party its best yet. They’ve partnered with Greenbush Brewing Company in Sawyer to brew a special collaboration beer for the event.

The beer, a Toasted Pecan Ale, is inspired by the New Orleans flavor fans have come to know and love from watching HPJ perform live.

The band will take the stage May 12 for a live set of music and spend the rest of the evening mingling with friends and fans, listening to the new album. Joining the band onstage will be the newest member of the HPJ family, Sam Que, on saxophone.

For more information, visit www.halfpintjones.com or email info@halfpintjones.com