8.26.2010

CD REVIEW: J.J. Grey & Mofro "Georgia Warhorse"

Georgia Warhorse
Florida swamp funk is not the kind of music you hear a whole lot of these days. That's why J.J. Grey & Mofro are an essential part of the music world. Grey combine funk and soul with country and blues for a distinctive sound that no other band is playing. Their fourth album, possible their most accessible yet, is a testament to this style of music, showing off all facets of Grey's musical talents and influences, and even a few new ones. Jam band guitar virtuoso Derek Trucks lends his talents on slide guitar to the album's closer. Toots Hibbert (of Toots & The Maytals) shares vocal duties on the album's first single "The Sweetest Thing," which is one of Mofro's best songs. You'd think that with Toots singing that the song would have a reggae vibe, but it actually doesn't. It's a very soulful, horn-driven tune that is perfect for a sunny day. J.J. Grey shows off his acoustic guitar skills in a big way on the song "King Hummingbird" and rocks pretty heavily on the blues and funk filled "The Hottest Spot In Hell." J.J. Grey & Mofro are one of those anomalies in the music industry today. They are a band who does their own thing, conforms for no one, and puts out great records that fans love and this album displays all of that and then some