The Atlanta Rhythm Section, the popular and long-running band originally made up of some of the finest session players in Dixie, and which was often described as being the “smoothest” of the acts on the Southern rock spectrum, performs Sunday in Old Saybrook at The Kate.

With the benefit of a half-century’s analysis and hindsight, folks suggest the ARS wasn’t so much a Southern rock act as just a band who happened to be from the South. If anything, they wrote and continue to play the sort of pleasing, sophisticated, soul-tinged, fried-pie pop associated with Boz Scaggs, the Little River Band, Orleans and Ambrosia.

Though founding keyboardist Dean Daughtry passed last year, there is some great news: original and signature vocalist Rodney Justo is back in the lineup. That should make it extra fine Sunday when you hear faithful renditions of “Spooky,” “Champagne Jam,” “So into You,” “I’m Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight” and “Imaginary Lover.”

Atlanta Rhythm Section, 7 p.m. Sunday, Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook; $67; thekate.org., (860) 510-0453.