By chance, I met Afrocop keyboardist/leader Noel Brass Jr. in line at a 2010 Medeski Martin & Wood show; I gave him my extra ticket. Little did I know then that his band was essentially the Seattle version of MM&W, but without slavishly imitating the endlessly inventive NYC trio. Using keyboard, bass, and drums (sometimes augmented by guitar and melodica), Afrocop slither among post-bop jazz, sophisticated funk, and soulful ambient moments with cool finesse. Cherish these suave groove magicians. (Stepping Stone Pub, 5903 24th Ave NW, 420-3723, 9:45 pm, free, 21+)