JJ Grey & Mofro (from the album Olustee

JJ Grey & Mofro (from the album Olustee

JJ Grey & Mofro (from the album Olustee available on Alligator Records) (by Brian Rock)
JJ Grey & Mofro explore life, freedom, and nature on their tenth album Olustee. After a bit of a sabbatical; JJ Grey, the undisputed sultan of swampy, southern Soul, picks up right where he left off on 2015’s Ol’ Glory. Combining James Brown Funk, Wilson Pickett Soul, ZZ Top Blues Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd Southern Rock; Grey carves out his own, highly distinctive niche. Like fellow Floridian, Jimmy Buffet, he has become a genre unto himself.
“Wonderland” showcases Grey at his most explosive. A driving, soulful horn section, a full-tilt rocking rhythm section, rousing gospel backing vocals and of course, JJ Grey’s big, boss baritone voice creates a dynamic affirmation of life. Singing ‘I’m exactly who I wanted to be. All I had to do was find a way to get myself free’ Grey extolls the joy of being true to yourself. Like his earlier songs, “Orange Blossoms” and “Every Minute” this song radiates joie de vie. Culminating in the optimistic chorus ‘now it feels like everyday is the first day of my life’. The song conveys the immense satisfaction of living a life of purpose. He perfectly captures that feeling of euphoria where every moment is infused with light. Not since Beethoven has there been a finer creator of musical odes to joy.
Continuing the joy-fest, funky, staccato horns introduce “Free High”. The song captures the hard driving Funk of James Brown as JJ Grey celebrates the natural high that comes from grooving to your favorite music. “Rooster” continues the funky vibes as Grey struts his stuff; living life and making music on his own terms. “Top of the World” slows the tempo slightly and shifts from Funk to Soul as the band urges us to ‘fill that cooler up with your beverage of choice’. And to, ‘hold ‘em high when you toast’. Understanding that life was meant to be enjoyed, JJ Grey and Mofro graciously provide the perfect soundtrack to enjoy it.
Slowing the pace and turning their attention to a more introspective joy on “The Sea” Grey and company encourage us to experience the simple joy of communing with nature. As if recalling a lover, Grey cries out ‘oh, she’s out there somewhere calling me. I belong to the sea’. Classical strings and somber piano notes convey a sense of reverence for the beauty of nature. “Starry Night” is a Bluesy ballad that sings the praises of the majesty of the nocturnal sky. Conversely, the band’s cover of John Anderson’s “Seminole Wind”, and the heavy Funk of “Olustee”, give a warning of the potential wasteland that results if we abuse our mother earth and take its beauty for granted. Waxing philosophic, Grey belts a soulful refrain about leaving excuses behind and following your dream on “Waiting”. Finishing the set with the haunting ballad, “Deeper Than Belief”, JJ Grey and company bring back the orchestral strings, paired with pulses of fluttering flute. A hymn to faith that transcends words, Grey confesses, ‘I’m hanging by a thread’ but somehow, a ‘golden light had the power to heal my heart’. Whether that golden light comes from your faith, your music, or your loved ones, JJ Grey and Mofro encourage you to immerse yourself in the light and enjoy every precious moment of this gift of life.
 
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