Blasting out horn-driven jazz-rock with Chili Peppers-style rap vocals is what the Baltimore-based All Mighty Senators do best.

“Our sound comes from growing up and playing in different bands. Our drummer is from a soul band, our horn players come from a jazz background, and I came from a rock band,” says guitarist Warren Boes from his hotel room in Lincoln, Neb. “We meet in the middle someplace and that’s AMS.”

The All Mighty Senator’s diverse sound has helped them book shows with bands such as the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and 2 Skinnee J’s.

The band got their start playing improvisation-based gigs at loft parties for friends. Nowadays, the band tours the U.S. and sells thousands of CDs.

“In the beginning we were kind of riff-based,” Boes explains. “The band is much more focused on songs now, rocking rather than noodling.”

With their five-member group and unique sound, AMS have gone through many lineup changes over the years, but Boes feels the current lineup is the strongest yet.

“It’s tough in a way because we all have responsibilities,” he says. “But I figure if we aren’t gonna do it now, when are we gonna do it? It’s like anything else you try and do. You sink or swim. I can’t imagine doing anything else anyway.”

The band is staying afloat so far, booking several national tours, selling over 12,000 CDs and carrying a mailing list that boasts over 4,000 names — all without the backing of a major label.

Instead, maintaining a DIY philosophy, the band launched their own label — Dog Eat Dog Records.

“We’ve always been our own label. We just have never been approached seriously by record labels,” Boes explains.

The band is doing well without the backing of a label, as they pull down six-figure sales annually. However, the All Mighty Senators have not counted out a major label if they receive a serious offer.

Lead singer/drummer Landis Expandis has guest appeared on a few major-label bands’ albums, including Jimmie’s Chicken Shack and 2 Skinnee J’s. He also made an appearance on a song by Block, which appeared on the “Never Been Kissed” soundtrack.

The All Mighty Senators also performed at the 1998 X-Games and were voted Best Band by the Baltimore City Paper more than a few times.

With more shows than they can count and four albums behind them, Boes says he can’t really say if he likes playing a live show or in the studio better.

Although AMS see themselves as a live band, the individual members play more than just one instrument, an aspect that allows the band to add a lot to a recording.

“We’ll always be for the live show,” Boes says. “There’s nothing like the audience reaction to our music.”

One thing is for sure — the All Mighty Senators are playing to have a good time and bring something new to the M-Shop.

What should the crowd expect from AMS?

“To dance their asses off and have a rocking good time,” Boes explains. “We’ll provide the one-two punch.”