JJ Grey & Mofro - This River

This River is the sixth studio album by American southern rock jam band JJ Grey & Mofro, released in April 2013 via Alligator Records.

JJ Grey & Mofro (formerly billed just as Mofro) is a Southern rock/soul/funk/blues jam band from Jacksonville, Florida composed of JJ Grey (vocals, electric piano, acoustic guitar and electric guitar, harmonica), Andrew Trube (electric guitar and slide guitar), Anthony Farrell (Hammond organ), Anthony Cole (drums), Dennis Marion (trumpet), Jeff Dazey (tenor saxophone) and Todd Smallie (bass guitar).

This River, like his previous releases, was produced by Grey and Dan Prothero, and recorded at Retrophonics Studio in Saint Augustine, Florida, with additional recording done in Grey's home studio, known as "The Egg Room."

"Many of the new songs," says Grey, "are about being your own worst enemy, and about normal folks pushing themselves over the edge." Grey's lyrics and slice-of-life scenarios are filled with honest detail, helping to bring his emotionally complex characters to life in songs including Somebody Else, 99 Shades Of Crazy, The Ballad Of Larry Webb and This River. "I see a little bit of myself in these songs," Grey states. "The difference is in the choices people make."

His gritty vocals and punchy horn arrangements add even more depth to the lyrical album. Grey's fervent delivery and the expert musicianship of the band pull the listener deep inside each track, making This River a deeply moving and engaging musical statement. "I took my time and I'm happy for it," says Grey.

For This River, Grey brought the whole band in to the studio and cut most of the tracks live. To JJ, the result was a bit more like their live show. "It adds so much more to the dynamic of a recording. It's so different when you get to play off each other rather than overdub each track," says Grey.

Check out a couple of tracks from the album:  Your Lady, She's Shady, The Ballad of Larry Webb, 99 Shades of Crazy, Somebody Else and This River.

This LP Record is on 180 Gram Vinyl with a digital download card included, pressed in the US.