Good times, bad times, hot ladies, sweaty summers and the sweet smell of orange blossoms are what the groovy blues on J.J. Grey & Mofro’s new album is all about.
It seems that southern singer J.J. Grey just can’t stop writing and experimenting. It’s only been just over a year since his last record, “Country Ghetto” hit the stores. Now, with “Orange Blossoms” (Alligator Records) he’s trying to outdo himself and change his sound again.

Together with his backing band, Mofro, Grey is mixing blues-rock with funky grooves, kicking out jams while working in strings and background singers to enhance his soulful side.
His lyrics are filled with personal tales and imagery of his home state of Florida. In the title track, he gives his audience a little taste of a Florida away from the bright lights, busy streets and entertainment parks. “When I smell those orange blossoms then I’m there,” he sings in his raspy, deep, soulful voice.

Blues wouldn’t be blues without some soul searching and tales of love. In “She Don’t Know,” we hear the familiar, sad mood and rhythm of blues, adorned with cello, violin and solid percussion.
And “The Truth,” falling a little short of a slower 1960’s Joe Cocker song, also uses strings and long-lingering keyboards to complement Grey’s and simple lyrics.  Leaving the strings behind, Grey and Mofro show how powerful horns and gentle rock guitar can set a calming mood in the closing song  “I Believe in Everything,” which is carried by Grey’s voice. 

But this record has a nice balance to show blues isn’t all about bad luck, heart break and feeling blue. Half the songs deliver upbeat funky grooves about the good times that just might make you want to dance.
“On Fire,” for example, a song about a smoking-hot girl, is simple, good old funk filled with soul,  a head-bobbing beat, funky rock guitar, backup singers and all.  It is a song that shows that through all the experimenting, the band has not forgotten where its roots lie.
J.J. Grey and Mofro will be performing at John’ Alley at 8 p.m., September 23.

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.