NORWICH – Billboard Magazine calls it a “world-beating blend of southern rock, blues and Florida swamp soul,” while the New York Times describes it as “a balance of wildness and cool.” According to Eric Larsen of the Chenango Blues Association, its the strongest performer the group has ever brought to its Free Summer Concert Series.
From 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday in West Park, music lovers across the county will have an opportunity to make up their own mind, as J.J. Grey & Mofro take to the stage for a set of down-home, foot-stomping soul, funk and blues.
Featuring Grey on vocals, guitar, harmonica and electric piano, the band consists of an all-star cast of musicians, including guitarist Andrew Trube, Art Edmaiston on tenor and baritone saxophone, Dennis Marion on trumpet, drummer Anthony Cole, Anthony Farrell on Hammond organ and piano and Todd Smallie – of Derek Trucks Band fame – on bass guitar. It’s a line-up that’s sure to please even the toughest music critic, said Larsen. Even better, he added, it’s free.
“We were really excited to be able to get him and it wasn’t easy,” stated Larsen. “This is not the kind of artist you would typically see at this kind of venue.”
Larsen first heard of the band – through word-of-mouth – from a number of friends whose musical opinion he respects, he said. When he and his wife finally had a chance to catch the group, they were prepared to stick around for the first set. Hours later, the Larsens were still there.
“It was such a fantastic show ... we were there until the last note was struck,” added Larsen. “We made up our minds on the spot to get him and I’m guessing we’ll have a great turnout. This is the biggest act we’ve ever put on the stage for free in the park.”
Grey first burst onto the scene in 2001 with the release of his debut album Blackwater – followed by the Lochloosa CD in 2004 – building his following one performance at a time. Since then, both discs have been reissued by the legendary Alligator Records, and Grey has released a string of successful studio albums for the label including Country Ghetto (2007), Orange Blossoms (2008), The Choice Cuts (2009) and his most recent, Georgia Warhorse (2010).
Each album – and every performance – is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the music he grew up listening to in Jacksonville, Florida, inspired by the likes of Otis Redding, Toots Hibbert (who joins Grey for one track on his latest release), Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway and Jimmy Reed, among others.
As for his live performances, the singer, songwriter and guitarist said it’s all about “letting go” and getting “into that zone.”
“I used to liken it to playing basketball,” said Grey, who played the sport for years. “When the shots start falling and you get your mind out of the way, you get in that zone.”
Nowadays, he added, it’s rare not to be in that zone.
“It’s the crowd, it’s the band, the whole thing. You sort of fall into it, you live in it,” said the musician.
Even better, according to Grey, is a chance to play for a crowd that may not be all that familiar with his music. Coming into a new town can be an inspiration all to itself, he added.
“It’s an opportunity to play for people who’ve never seen us before, which is always fun,” said Grey. “They add to the energy, sometimes because they don’t come with any baggage. If you can commit with them, it’s awesome.”
According to Larsen, it’s going to be a great night to be out and about in the park, and he’s hoping to see a record crowd for what he expects to be an unforgettable show.
Next week’s final Free Summer Concert Series performance will feature the New Riders of the Purple Sage from 7 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 9 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds.
In the event of inclement weather, Thursday night’s performance will be held at the Chenango County Council of the Arts, 27 West Main St. For more information on the Chenango Blues Fest visit www.chenangobluesfest.org. For information on J.J. Grey and Mofro visit www.jjgrey.com.