Montbleau keeps it light on ‘Heavy’

That sense of chemistry and expanse is evident on the band’s new album, “Heavy on the Vine.’’ It is the group’s third release and the sixth for Montbleau, who started and still sometimes performs as a solo artist. The group celebrates the album’s release tomorrow night at the Paradise on a bill with JJ Grey & Mofro.

The album’s title — which comes from a line in the song “Carry’’ — holds several meanings for the Peabody native.

“I like the titles to reflect where we are as a band,’’ says Montbleau of his bandmates — and housemates — drummer James Cohen, violist Laurence Scudder, bass player Matt Giannaros, keyboardist Jason Cohen, and percussionist Yahuba. “We’ve been at this for a fair number of years, just killing ourselves on the road. It’s for a good reason and it’s really working, but you know it gets heavy in that sense. We’re a family and just like any family it gets intense some days, and we’re just kind of in the struggle together. And at the same time we’re just like this ripening fruit, ready to be picked and enjoyed.’’

To help bring in a harvest that includes everything from folk and country to reggae, R&B, and rock, the band called on vaunted singer-songwriter Martin Sexton to produce. The Montbleau Band had served as Sexton’s backing band on a recent tour and when they talked about looking for a producer he happily volunteered.

“I always admired, not only their great art, but also their work ethic,’’ says Sexton on the phone from his home in Northampton. “They just play and they play and they play. They play everywhere and anywhere, and it’s paying off because they’re starting to make waves in the music community.’’

Sexton could also relate to their diverse musical palette, which makes them hard to pin down from a marketing standpoint but increases their bankability as a live act. “I think it’s a blessing because they can play the Jam Cruise and the Gathering of the Vibes and also play Newport folk fest. They were with me at Bonnaroo. That’s a beautiful thing.’’