For almost four years, from the release of the highly acclaimed “Blackwater” in 2001, to the smashingly perfect “Lochloosa”, in 2004, MOFRO fans were in a constant state of wonder. Lives shows honestly had the capacity to feel like a juke joint show from anyplace, anytime, rural America. Unreleased, old and new songs would peek there way into the set lists of shows at amazing times, and in amazing places. Tunes were being test driven out on the road. MOFRO fans were giddy at the prospects of any new album. The wait for “Lochloosa” turned out to be beyond well worth it.
Nowadays, JJ Grey and MOFRO are releasing albums a bit faster. JJ seems to be visited by his muse much more frequently, or else they got a cot for her on the bus. And a bit unlike before, the new tunes aren’t test driven as much. Anticipation grows.
Leading up to this new album, a lot of things have gone on. Daryl Hance, longtime friend of JJ’s, as well as member of the band, has gone out on his own. Probably to return off and on as things progress. Ted Pecchio has joined the band on bass guitar, and the Greyhounds have fallen into there classic roll on Organ and guitar.
The last few months have seen a number of tunes from the forthcoming album, Georgia Warhorse, make there appearance.
I’m gonna try and log a few bit and pieces here for anyone who doesnt hit up the MOFRO fansite, MOFROFANS.
These few tracks come from a solo performance in NYC last week, 2010.08.14, at City Winery, captured on an IPhone.
Fantastic performance of “Hide n Seek” from an in store last week in Colorado.
Here’s a song that has been around for a while, probably even before MOFRO, but a JJ Grey song, nonetheless. “Gotta Know” makes it appearance on this album, though slightly different than many of us have known. From last week in Colorado. The slow release of this song, ending in a ripping sax solo by Art Edmaiston, is what MOFRO is all about. Tension and release.
And to cap off the some of the songs, here is, “The Sweetest Thing”, a song, well, you’ll find out once you listen. Pretty easy. I think the same thing of my youngin all the time. Beacons of Light! Good god.
There are a few more tracks available out there, if you dig hard enough. It is wild to me to think that almost ten years ago I would hear the new songs at shows before the release, and now I hear them on you tube, or via some upload from a cell phone. Wild man. It changes, and though somehow, the music doesn’t; as evident here in this quick insight into JJ, his life and music.
Thanks JJ, for continuing to find IT, and for tapping into that muse. I’m stoked to hear this Georgia Warhorse thing.
Cheers.
It was my iPhone. Loved the read. Felt semi-famous for a bit. Great blog.
This is a great article holladown. As a big follower of the band I have opp to read a lot of things about them. The lucidity, clarity, and style of your article makes me want to run right out and by the new album! But I already have. For everyone else, heed holladown’s words. Check these guys out. And if they come anywhere remotely near you, go see them live. You will NOT be disappointed.
Oh, click on the gator pick y’all. There are 2 women on the left that are all dressed up in their Sunday-go-to-meetin clothes on to come out and see the alligators. (And take it from a 5th generation Floridian–them are some BIG gators.)
that photo Clay if from Palm Beach around circa 1910. That is Warren Frazier, better known as “Alligator Joe” at his nature trail and alligator farm, located where the existing Everglades club is at the west edge of Worth Avenue. Again, oh how it changes.
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From the first paragraph of a NYTimes article date 1907.03.03;
PALM BEACH, Fla., March 2. — Warren Frazier, better known as “Alligator Joe,” treated society folk at Palm Beach this afternoon to a new sporting sensation. He towed a crocodile weighing 200 pounds well out into the Atlantic Ocean, had a wrestling match with it, mounted it bareback, and brought it back to shore.
WOW! Thank you for putting into words how I feel in my gut. Very well written and I am glad to know ya!
Great Read!! I love to read anything about these guys and you have wonderful insight into this band. Look forward to the next one!