JJ Grey & Mofro
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
JJ Grey
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
JJ Grey
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
Mofro (Andrew Trube)
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
Mofro (Anthony Cole on drums and Todd Smallie on bass)
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
Mofro (Todd Smallie)
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
People's Blues of Richmond (Matt Volkes)
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
People's Blues of Richmond (Neko Williams)
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
People's Blues of Richmond (Tim Beavers)
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
People's Blues of Richmond (Tim Beavers)
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
People's Blues of Richmond
photo by Patrick O'Hagan
People’s Blues of Richmond opened Friday night’s show at Track 29 with more rock than blues. The youthful three-piece band delivered a somewhat manic, yet tight, set to create the mood before JJ Grey and Mofro took the stage. The talented group has a retro quality reminiscent of bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, which was unexpected given their age. Their music was raw and heavy. In spite of there being only three guys on stage they more than full well made it feel like more. Lead guitarist and vocalist, Tim Beavers, has the rock star persona down, wearing a red velvet top hat and playing a guitar solo behind his head at one point. Their talent was clearly evident and fully on display. Lyrically their songs were quick and clever, with storylines centered around drugs and vice in general.
JJ Grey and Mofro took the stage just before 9:30 p.m. The crowd was roaring as JJ strutted out and eased into his opening number, with Mofro jamming out behind him. The music was easy going soul and blues with just enough rock and roll infused to liven things up. At one point Mofro’s guitarist broke a string in the middle of his solo but kept going as the crowd cheered even louder. The songs were very bluesy but upbeat as JJ would often offer up a smile while he crooned. The bittersweet smell of soul wasn’t the only aroma that hung heavy in the air. Which probably shouldn’t be any surprise given the multiple drug references from each band. JJ’s fan base was definitely into the performance, with most people singing along enthusiastically and some couples even dancing.
After a last show in Atlanta, JJ Grey and Mofro will head across the pond for a European tour jaunt before returning to Nashville in April to start touring North America again.