Feb 22, 2007

It’s my great pleasure to report that I finally managed to see MOFRO live.

I’d been meaning to check their website for any upcoming shows, and I’m damn glad that I did. Not only did they come out with a new record, Country Ghetto, Februray 20, but they were planning on being in Tallahassee for a show that same night—Mardi Gras! I bought a ticket through their website, and drew embarrassing amounts of circles and stars around the date on my calendar.

Parking Tuesday the 20th at 9 p.m., JJ Grey did an acoustic set at Vinyl Fever, a cool music store here in town. I got there at almost six, and the parking lot was full. Kids were spilling out of cars parked in nearby apartment complexes and gas stations, laughing and talking as they tried to cross the busy street to the shop. Inside, people were quiet, ranged in a large semicircle around Grey, who sat on a wooden stool. He played acoustic guitar and harmonica, interspersing the songs with friendly stories and low-key jokes.

Vinyl_fever I was able to hear three songs. The first two were off the new record: “Mississippi” and “Country Ghetto”; the last song was one of my favorites, “Lochloosa”. JJ’s voice was strong and soulful, and carried all through the large store. After he finished singing, there was intense applause. Many folks purchased cd’s right then. JJ stayed to sign cd’s and tickets for the show, to take photos with fans, and to chat. He had something to say to everyone waiting in line for him. When it was my turn to get my picture taken and my cd signed, we spoke for a few minutes about living in the U.K. (something we’ve both done) and how one of the main things we missed from home was the food. He laughed about his visiting English friends hating sweet tea, and we agreed they were so wrong.

Beta_bar_sign Later that evening, I set out for the Beta Bar, where the Mofro show would be. By the time the doors opened at nine p.m., there was a line snaking down the steps and out onto the dirt parking lot. Those who had bought their tickets online showed their I.D. and purchasing credit card to get in. At the bar, I ordered a Blue Moon beer. Why not? That drink always reminds me of summers in Florida—heat, sweetness, the smell of mimosa blooms and the taste of salt. And here I was, on Fat Tuesday, about to see the most Florida-loving band in the world.

Feet Their opening act, Virginia Coalition, went on about ten, and they really rocked. They reminded me of Dave Matthews band, except with ass. It had that same mid-Atlantic sound. Having lived in Virginia, I recognized and liked it. The singer’s voice was similar to DM, and he had that way of singing with a smile; plus there were bongos and lots of rhythm, though it was very fast-paced and energetic. I’m not a huge fan of lite-rock, but that’s not what I’d consider this. It was something unusual: happy rock. Nothing wrong with that! And they did rock, hard.

Jj_grey Mofro went on about eleven p.m. The place was absolutely packed, sweaty hot, full of every different kind of kids you could hope to see in Tallahassee: camo’d rednecks, tie-dyed hippiegirls with their dreadlocked boyfriends, fancy sorostitutes and frat rats in pink polo shirts, scruffy hipster boys with beards and blazers. Many wore shiny Mardi Gras beads. Every single one of them liked Mofro for a different reason, approached the music in a different way, got something different out of it. I think that’s one of the main strengths of the band: their undercurrent of talent and passion holds everyone captive, no matter what one might be getting from the melodies and the words. It brings people together—at least to the Beta Bar—that, normally, would absolutely not be partying together, ever. And it pays off, big time.

Seated They played for over an hour. JJ Grey dominated everyone’s attention with the power of his singing, and the new lineup of the band was great. They played songs off the new album, which sounded beautiful live. Many songs also came from older records. They played “Lochloosa” again, and the crown involvement was so strong that JJ noticed it, paused, smiled, and got everyone into it even more. They seemed to stick with the more funky and energetic songs for this set, like “Jookhouse” and “Slow Lazy Summer”, sensing that the crowd wanted to dance. But the cut “Tragic”, though slower and moody, was fantastically intense.

After_1 This was one of the best live shows that I’ve ever seen. I can only imagine what it would be like to see them outside at a festival, under the trees. Why they aren’t bigger is a total mystery to me. But that’s the beauty of this band—you get the impression that JJ Grey and Mofro would play with equal passion alone, for themselves…or in front of thousands of screaming kids at Bonnaroo; under and oak tree in the backyard, in an arena, or in a dark, smoky club. Doesn’t matter. They are what they are, and they give the best of themselves to the music, and to whoever is pleased to show up.

I’m mighty damn pleased I showed up. I suggest you do the same, whenever you can.

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