If at any point one decides to commit to a life in music, with the obvious hopes of becoming a star or at least self-sufficient, he or she should be forced to undergo precautionary, "just so's you know" counseling sessions. At these meetings, the mantra "Music is NOT a meritocracy" should be tattooed on the would-be performer's forehead.

This all resonates in context with the news that the East Haven psychedelic/jam band The Breakfast will play Friday in Norwich at the Strange Brew Pub. As far as virtuosity, creativity, songcraft and groove are concerned, The Breakfast are pretty freakin' great. Why are they not bigger? Who knows? See above on "meritocracy."

The Breakfast's latest recording, "Phatasmagoria," sounds like early Nektar if Fishbone and Neil Merryweather & the Space Rangers got together for — wait for it — breakfast. Delicious!

The Breakfast, 9 p.m. Friday, Strange Brew Pub, 86 Water St., Norwich; $15; (860) 885-1975.