NMALLSTARS | 03.15 | ROCHESTER

The North Mississippi AllStars are just what they say they are, all-stars. They came to a fully packed and sold out crowd at Milestones in Rochester, NY and rocked the house like the all-stars that they claim to be. Luther Dickinson plays slide guitar, leading the band in the ultra bluesy funky jams. Switching between different guitars to gain specific sounds for certain songs, Luther kept full command at all times. Cody Dickinson’s drum set keeps time, and keeps the structure and framework of the songs. At the same time Chris Chew’s smooth slapping of the bass holds down the rhythm section like Elmer’s glue.

Very much southern style and influenced heavily by artists like The Allmans’ Brothers Band, and various blues artists all relating back to the 12-bar-blues, it’s a wonder that they call themselves anything associated with the word North. But maybe they like to switch it up, as they show in their playing when they constantly switch it up from heavy blues classics to bluegrass numbers like “Sittin’ on top of the World.” Transitions between songs seem to be a challenge for the All-stars, but Cody is very intuitive and keeps the improvisation going with a few quick pops on the drum.

A very catchy tune called “Shake ‘em all Down” got the packed house all grooving hard for the first time of the long, two hour set. Instead of taking a set-break, the All-stars kept the grooves flowing as the beer taps did the same, and everyone was getting down and having a great time. It was not the normal crowd that I would have expected, but rather an even mix of various ages and groups. Everyone could relate in one way or another to the deep, passionate blues that the All-stars were putting out. Realistic stories deep within the grooves kept everyone eager to hear what was next, and the stiff guitar solos and riffs complemented the deep lyrics very beautifully.

I had not previously seen these guys, and my overall opinion is very positive, and I would definitely recommend them. But I must be honest and say that there were a couple of “bathroom” tunes. But as I said, it was certainly enjoyable, groove-able and danceable. The blues element was key to keeping the crowd unified, because blues is something that touches you down deep and the All-stars did not ignore this fact.

Too add to the level of entertainment, just before the encore drummer Cody Dickinson emerged onstage with a strange looking contraption, which I shortly learned was an electric washboard! He amazed the crowd with his skills combined with technical creativity it must have taken to build the thing. Everyone was pleasantly surprised with his unique solo performance as an appetizer to the all-out rockin’ encore.