JJ GREY & MOFRO

This River

Alligator

By Mark Baier

Summer festival season is at hand, and Blues fans across the nation planning their weekend musical getaways had better give a listen to JJ Grey’s latest Alligator release, This River. Grey has spent the last decade establishing himself as one of the world’s finest  “roots” recording artists and performers, and This River not only goes a long way to confirming that assessment, it finds Grey writing and performing the deepest, most soulful songs of his career.

The River in question is Jacksonville’s St. John's River, and the memories Grey paints recall freewheeling celebrations (“Florabama”), somber introspection (“Somebody Else”), heartfelt ballads (“The Ballad of Larry Webb”), and late night Southern Soul (“Your Lady, She’s Shady”). The expertly arranged and executed songs are long on groove, emotionally riveting and dripping with effortlessly smooth melodies. Grey doesn’t so much break new ground on This River, it’s all blissfully familiar and accessible, as he demonstrates a mastery of his craft. The emotions are real, the band is kickin’ and JJ’s vocals are as rich and impassioned as anyone in the business.

One of the real strengths of This River is the cohesive, near telepathic communication that Grey has with his long time band, MOFRO. Much like Neil Young’s legendary backing band “Crazy Horse”, MOFRO and JJ are in tune to each other’s every nuance and rhythm, effectively playing as one voice in soulful harmony. MOFRO is: Art Edmaiston (saxes), Dennis Marion ( trumpet), Anthony Farrell (keyboards), Todd Smallie (bass), Anthony Cole (drums) and Andrew Trube (guitars). 

Alligator has established a reputation as the premier “Blues” label, and while Grey is not a traditional blues artist, his songs and his soulful passionate vocals transcend easy categorization. At its best, the blues is about real people and real emotions--music that people can relate their own personal triumphs and tragedies to. JJ Grey does that and more. His lyrics speak to the pain and joy we all endure and celebrate, his melodies are memorable and at times, anthemic, and the rhythm is perfectly infectious, making JJ Grey and MOFRO a must see this summer. It’s an experience sure to leave the listener swaying to the beat and singing along on the choruses. Highly recommended for all fans of sophisticated modern soul and down in the alley boogies.

JJ Grey & MOFRO will perform at Blues on the Fox Fest in Aurora, IL on Friday, June 14, opening for Dr. John. For info: http://riveredgeaurora.com/