JD Simo and Luther Dickinson (from the album Do the Rump!

JD Simo and Luther Dickinson (from the album Do the Rump!

JD Simo and Luther Dickinson (from the album Do the Rump! on Forty Below Records) (By Lee Zimmerman)
 
As solo artists and sidemen, both Luther Dickinson and JD Simo have resumes they can heavily lean on. Dickinson, is, of course, a principle in the accredited duo North Mississippi Allstars as well as a guitarist for hire with The Black Crowes and John Hiatt. Simo gained his credence as a session player for Jack White, Beyonce, Chris Isaak, and a contributor to the film Elvis. The pair met while the two were touring members of Phil Lesh and Friends.
 
Their collaboration, Do the Rump! draws on music that’s integral and essential to both men’s roots — Swamp Rock, gritty grassroots Blues and primal Rock’n’Roll. The slithering pulse of opening track “Street People” sets the tone while the elastic rhythm of “Right Down There” gravitates towards a groove that maintains that feral thrust. The spooky sounding “Lonesome Road”, and the tumultuous tones of “Serves Me Right to Suffer” and “Do the Rump, Louise” add to the overall cacophony. “Come On” provides a steady strut just as the lengthy closing track, “Peaches”, integrates a swampy sound into the pair’s muscular motif.
 
Eschewing any production trickery or instrumental flourishes beyond the two musicians with drummer Adam Abarashoff in tow, the music comes across as a elemental display of rudimentary riffing with a decidedly dark demeanor. It’s a sound that consistently pivots back to the basics while seemingly relishing a freedom of expression that makes no concessions to modern designs.

Whether Do the Rump! signals collaborations to come remains to be seen (JD Simo and Luther Dickinson are currently touring the northern and central East Coast through the end of October - editor). Given the drive and determination that resonates throughout, it’s hard to imagine Do the Rump! will lead to any sort of sophomore slump. (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of JD Simo and Luther Dickinson from AMAZON
 
For more info, check out the JD Simo and Luther Dickinson website