The blues-rock caterwaul of "Turpentine" takes you "deep in the piney woods" both in its lyrics and its oppressive rhythm, and then, just when you're starting to think that Grey and Co. might have milked all they can out of simple grooves, along comes a complete change of pace, a soul ballad about love called "A Woman." (Grey wrote it for Cassandra Wilson but she didn't record it.) Then Grey shows off his vocal versatility by channeling Dr. John in "Mississippi" and Sam Cooke in "The Sun Is Shining Down." The latter, characteristically, sets his most optimistic lyrics to slow, somber music that ramps up into a triumphant gospel chorus. In the epilogic "Goodbye" Grey breaks out a melancholy, distant falsetto for an appropriately musing signoff.
Among the excellent musicians who support Grey's multi-instrumental talents, drummer George Sluppick deserves special mention for his easy, deep-pocketed beats. But JJ Grey is the man of the hour.
Article comments
1 - Nolan Teter
Thank you for this insightful review of this amazing, down to earth band's new cd. I had the good fortune of meeting Mr. Grey very briefly before a show in Miami and he was gracious, genuine and friendly. I saw them perform in Fort Lauderdale last year and they played Destiny's Child's "Survivor" and it was the most powerful performance I have ever seen (and I once saw The Clash from the front row). Wouldn't it be a wonderful world if there was a radio station that would play Mofro tunes?
2 - Connie Phillips
Congrats! This article has been forwarded to the Advance.net websites.
3 - Clay
Nice stuff... well put.
JJ Grey & Mofro have a new record hitting Aug 26, 2008. They will be touring the U.S. extensively through Nov in support of "Orange Blossoms," their 4th album. You can learn more on their website or the Mofro fansite.