MOFRO - December 3rd, 2004
w/ Greyhounds
Raised in a small rural area on the outskirts of Jacksonville, John "JJ" Grey came up in the last vestiges of the North Floridian backwoods and it’s culture. As the creative force behind MOFRO, JJ's songwriting and voice can conjure up good times and good food, or cast a serious eye on the sad march of "progress" in Florida with its annihilation of the environment and culture (A culture that, it's worth remembering, most forms of uniquely American music [Jazz, Blues, Rock, Soul, etc.] are rooted in), while his harmonica and guitar playing back up the mood with its own uniquely swung syncopation. JJ met Daryl Hance while working construction on Jacksonville's notorious Westside. Daryl was born in Kansas and raised in Atlanta, GA. His parents moved back to north Florida (where Daryl's family has lengthy roots) when Daryl was in high school. JJ was immediately impressed with Daryl's laid back attitude and apparent confidence and maturity with the guitar. "He played like older men play," says JJ, "with patience and guts". "Most guitar players at that age play too much. Daryl's guitar playing is a mirror of his personality. He might not say 3 words all day but when he does say 'em you'll feel it." In 1998 JJ worked at a local lumber yard where he and fellow co-workers habitually used the term MOFRO to substitute for any other word. "It sounded Southern and was simple," says JJ.

MOFRO returns to Chicago after May’s sellout at Schuba's. Joining the duo this go around will be George Sluppick, the original drummer from the debut album Blackwater and Adam Scone, of Sugarman 3 fame on organ. This will MOFRO's first time in Chi-town since dropping their second release, Lochloosa on Swampland Records. According to JJ, “The first record had the producer, Dan [Prothero], pushing us in more of a direction. This record is more about the songs. Blackwater was about songs also, so I guess this will be similar. Each song came about in the same sort of relaxed way of the first record. It sure wasn’t that we were going for a different feel, we just want to do the same thing we’ve always done. “Lachloosa” is the title track on the new album. It was originally the opening to the song called “Florida” off Blackwater. It now stands by itself on the new record.” Whatever it is, its good, and its topping the Amazon.com charts.

learn more about MOFRO

Greyhounds are turning heads by combining raw grooves and fresh melodies with elements of classic funk, oldschool blues, and straightup soul. Not just your average funk band, Greyhounds infuse some much needed levity into the proceedings with a dynamic presence that goes far beyond mere musicianship. They enjoy what they’re doing, and it’s more than evident in their highly energetic shows. As tight breakdowns and relentless vibes ricochet off the walls, both wallflowers and groove connoisseurs alike will find themselves heading towards the floor to get their boogie on.

learn more about Greyhounds

Band Information
MOFRO
John 'JJ' Grey — vocals, guitar, harmonica, Fender Rhodes
Daryl Hance — guitar, dobro
George Sluppick — drums
Adam Scone — organ

Greyhounds
Anthony Farrell — keys, vocals
Andrew Trube — guitar, vocals
Zack Littlefield — drums