JJ Grey & Mofro @ Irving Plaza 3/1/07 :: Review
March5
The first question that should be asked is, “Why did Mofro change their name to JJ Grey & Mofro”? One of my theories is it’s a PR move to get more fans. Whenever JJ is not touring with Mofro (and sometimes even when he is) he’s sitting in with an array of other bands, so maybe the logic is when people see JJ’s name they will say “Oh, I remember when that guy sat in with so and so” and decide to check them out. The other theory is that I’ve been seeing Mofro since 2003 and every time the band is different (well, except for Daryl Hance on guitar), so maybe it’s to say “I’m JJ and this is my band Mofro”. Regardless, the name change hasn’t change that sweet swampy soul porch music. 
Been listening to their new album Country Ghetto since it was released last week and it’s pretty darn good, but nothing will ever beat Blackwater for me. With three albums now under his belt, JJ has an amazing catalog of songs to choose from. It must be fun deciding what to play each night. For the first time, they added a horn section this tour. It’s definitely a nice touch and fills out their sound well, but I felt they could have been utilized more. For most songs I had completely forgot they were even there. And Daryl Hance (guitar) kills me every time I see them. Daryl just sits there as though he rather be anywhere else but on stage. Never smiling, never showing any emotion, lifeless…just apathetically picking at his guitar. I’ve seen Mofro five or six times and he is like that EVERY time. And while all the members of the band have changed over the years, Daryl is always stage right to JJ…I wanna know what the story is…is that just his personality…can JJ not throw him out of the band because he saved his life…or am I just not getting him…why so glum Daryl?
During the song “The Sun Is Shining Down” JJ got so emotionally he was literally shedding tears. The song is about his grandfather that past away and I’m not sure if he always gets that emotionally or if something particular had happened that day or maybe it was some sort of anniversary. Regardless, it was very moving to see JJ on stage letting all his emotions loose (take note Daryl). Actually, JJ introduced one of their new songs as being about a friend of his that was addicted to Oxycontin…maybe he’s talking about Daryl and that’s why he’s always in a malaise.
Been listening to their new album Country Ghetto since it was released last week and it’s pretty darn good, but nothing will ever beat Blackwater for me. With three albums now under his belt, JJ has an amazing catalog of songs to choose from. It must be fun deciding what to play each night. For the first time, they added a horn section this tour. It’s definitely a nice touch and fills out their sound well, but I felt they could have been utilized more. For most songs I had completely forgot they were even there. And Daryl Hance (guitar) kills me every time I see them. Daryl just sits there as though he rather be anywhere else but on stage. Never smiling, never showing any emotion, lifeless…just apathetically picking at his guitar. I’ve seen Mofro five or six times and he is like that EVERY time. And while all the members of the band have changed over the years, Daryl is always stage right to JJ…I wanna know what the story is…is that just his personality…can JJ not throw him out of the band because he saved his life…or am I just not getting him…why so glum Daryl?During the song “The Sun Is Shining Down” JJ got so emotionally he was literally shedding tears. The song is about his grandfather that past away and I’m not sure if he always gets that emotionally or if something particular had happened that day or maybe it was some sort of anniversary. Regardless, it was very moving to see JJ on stage letting all his emotions loose (take note Daryl). Actually, JJ introduced one of their new songs as being about a friend of his that was addicted to Oxycontin…maybe he’s talking about Daryl and that’s why he’s always in a malaise.
For the encore Sharon Jones came out and basically riffed on the mic for ten minutes. She was telling stream of consciousness stories while incorporating it into a musical medley and Mofro had her back the entire time. Sharon has much love for JJ and even made him red in the face with all the praise she was giving him.Their styles and stage presence are so similar it was fun to watch the two of them interact. A great way to end the show…clocking in at exactly two hours. I’m not going to say it was my favorite Mofro (sorry, JJ Grey & Mofro) show, but musically it was definitely the best.
Unfortunately while the music on stage was great, the crowd (at least in my section) was atrocious. First off, I’ve never seen so many tall douchebags in my life…just completely disrespectful and rude. I know it might be too much to ask (especially at Irving Plaza), but I like a certain level of courtesy when seeing live music.I think last night was the first time in my live music experiences when I wanted security to bust the people around me for smoking cigs and joints…maybe I’m just getting old or maybe I just find the idea of smoking swag dirt weed joints offensive. Normally the security at Irving Plaza is Gestapoesq, but last night it was a free for all (and not in a good way). And the crowd honestly would not shutup and I was fairly close to the stage. If you want to party and talk do it in the back. It wasn’t an age thing either…just a bunch of inconsiderate a-holes. The funny part as I’m thinking about this now is that I could have moved…the show wasn’t nearly sold-out, so all I had to do was move to the other side of the floor…but who knows, it might have been even worse over there. Oh, and I should mention that some jerkface throw his beer on stage during the encore…JJ was ready to kick some ass…what did he say, “I’m at least gonna die trying”. OK, I’m done with my rant…just wanted to get that off my chest.