MOFRO ALBUM & TOUR

why are they going by JJ Grey & Mofro now instead of just Mofro? Seems a little distracting.

I saw this band 5 times over in 2005/2006 and was always entertained. I hadn't seen them since Jax Beach last year. Anyways, they came into town last week and I was pretty excited for the show only to be extremely dissapointed. I wondered why I'd never noticed it before but this is the laziest band I've seen IN A WHILE. The live show was extremely dissapointing, and this is coming from a fan of the first 2 studio albums. I was really dissappointed with these guys, something tells me the name change reflects a change in attitude as well.

yeah i agree, i havent seen these guys live yet but the fact that the band went from MOFRO to JJ GREY & MOFRO pisses me the fuck off, fuck JJ GREY. they should be called MOFRO, thats a sicker name. plus i wouldent be suprised if JJ GREY isint really his name. hope the new album is good though

I love their studio albums but last time I went to see them, after a lackluster first set, they said they were going to take a quick break and come back. We waited around but they never came back on stage. People were pissed off. Kahn05, I think you're right, they don't give a fuck. However, this is a pretty ambitious tour for a band that doesn't seem to care. I'll check 'em out one more time.

I've heard their live cuts and I love them.. I havent seen them live yet, langerado will be my first time seeing them.. I was excited until i just read these reviews but i'll decide for myself, I'm still gonna give them a chance

Have seen them opening for NMAS in 02- soild. Bought CD on the spot. An unexpected pleasant surprise.

Dont get me wrong, these guys aren't bad by any means. They are just a prime example of the difference between a great band and a good band.

JJ is the man. Mofro is the band. Get over it.

JJ is arguably one of the best front men around. a true voice for our generation. got soul!! got soul!!!

they bring sooo much on any given night that, yes, unfortunately others do lack.

that being said, they are a must see for me. don't gamble much but definitely do with mofro.

Don't get me wrong either, I've seen them a few times and enjoyed it every time. I just don't know why the name changed; just because you are the frontman does not mean you need your name in front of the band's.

JJ Grey and Mofro switched the name probably cause JJ writes every single tune and it's been HIS band since day one.. Spearhead did the same thing cause now they are Michael Franti and Spearhead What's the big effin deal..??
I just saw the band this week and they are better then ever and I consider myself a very harsh critic. The new songs are great and the new album is fantastic.. This band is definitely a force to be reckoned with. They have a horn section for this tour which gives the show such energy...
Don't worry about a name change, how 'bout worrying about something important.. In any case, get out and see these guys.. They are firing on all cylinders and the live show is fantastic...

Interesting takes, for me especially. I have seen em at Langerado past and at All good last year, and have been impressed. But the fest atmosphere sometimes brings out the best.

The played last night here in Tampa but played way early so I missed it. Playing again tonight, but I am on the fence about going since UM is Thursday. Thoughts?

I'm not a big fan of the name change either but hey, it happens. Anyways I saw these guys open up for Derek Trucks Band in Maine and I loved it. JJ's voice and songs are awesome, will certainly see them at Harper's Ferry

Ive never been let down by a MOFRO act yet and Ive seen plenty, especially my first MOFRO when the opened for NMAS and blew em outta the water. Cant wait for the new album, despite the new band name which reeks of imminent break up. Lets hope not, cause MOFRO is the bees balls.

Adding jj's name in front of the band name was no more than a business decision. They are still Mofro, nothing has changed within the band. If something like that will sell more tickets because people recognize his name then there is nothing wrong with it. Thats how business works. It also didn't change their performance... maybe those of you who had bad experience were there on an off night - bands do have those you know, even the most established of them do. Mofro puts on very entertaining live show and I have never seen anyone bored or yawning. I would highly recommend seeing them on this tour. fabulous work guys.

DannyOwen - "JJ Grey and Mofro switched the name probably cause JJ writes every single tune and it's been HIS band since day one..."

The reason it irks me is because Mofro isn't JJ's band, it's him and Daryl's band.

Kahn05 - Yes Daryl is a founding member and partner but if Daryl objected to this decision do you think it still would have happened..? I don't, so why get in a fit cause I'm sure JJ is doing whats best for the band, always...

I last saw them at the Doug Fir Lounge here in Portland OR and the show was pretty good. JJ was totally wasted (and not trying to hide it at all). A lot of banter sometimes as well. Kind of annoying the same way Jeff from YMSB yaps all the time. Overall, I enjoy seeing these guys. Looking forward to their upcoming tour and hopefully 10klf.

New Album = Swampy soulful goodness.

Go buy it.

Almost like going to church when these guys got the goods going.

WAS a fan of MOFRO but then I saw them in Asheville a few months back at the Orange Peel. I thought my girlfriend would like them since I liked them the previous times I saw them but HOLY SHIT DID THEY SUCK A FAT ONE!!!!!! This was a few shows before the name change and it was awful. I suspect a bit too much cocaine before the show and too much whiskey during the show. Drove from Athens, GA to see them and that is what I got...this band will break up...NO CHEMISTRY at all together...kind of seemed like they hated each other actually. Now you MOFRO bro's can rip me a new one but dat be dah truth ya'lls. I should mention almost everyone left before the 2nd set started...can anyone say 45 minute set break?

GOt to say the picture says it all. Who are those displaced musicians in the back ground trying to make a living. Drummer was a Stanton Moore wanna-be and the guitar player(the guy you can almost see in the left side of the picture) was so damn boring. Don't even remember the guy with the sunglasses in the pic. Don't waste your $$. Just remember...drove there...saw a lame set...drove 3.5 hours back. I ususally try not to rip on bands but this one deserves it.

this fall we adjusted our vacation to pass through a BFE town in NM to see mofro. paid 10 bucks to see 1 45 minute set that was OK. that was in, no second set. also that JJ dude is pretty lazy his band set up and broked down the show and all he did was stand around and talk. does he have a rich daddy that bankrolls this band?

trusmoka beat me to it, but that publicity shot reminds me of the t-shirt scene in Almost Famous where Jeff Bebe (Jason Lee) says, "I'm just one of the out of focus guys in the background." With Mofro's MANY line-up changes over the years it's sort of true that it's JJ Grey and...whoever happens to be on the payroll. And Daryl. Always Daryl, a man so subtle as to be transparent at times. Love him in a lot of ways but also wonder where he's off at in his head some shows. Frankly, I wasn't aware that JJ had become enough of a "name" that putting it in front of MOFRO made a difference. Seems more like ego than box office but what do I know? I still freakin' dig their music.

By the way, is JJ trying to pull off a smoldering leading man kind of sexy thing? I really hope not but his look says, "I'm too sexy for my shirt."

Oh look its that Stillwater t-shirt from "Almost Famous."

saw this band at 10klf '05 and loved it, the home-spun stories added much flavor and complimented the songs nicely. JJ seemed to interact well with the aud. i made a point to see both shows at wakarusa this last summer (even after being dissapointed by the first) JJ seemed detached and the colorful, folksy bantor was replaced by gratuitous pandering to the crowd, particularly the women. it was frankly a little insulting, so i'm torn. this band, on one occasion knocked my socks off, and on another left me dissapointed. will give them another shot at waka this summer (maybe-we'll see what else is happening)

good call andrewq, i was thinking the same thing. only if mofro was as good as that movie. i like the comment by snappy as well. how can you change your name like that? maybe he writes as the songs, but there's no reason to change the band name. they won't last much longer.

Interesting comments. I saw Mofro at a festival 3-4 years ago. Not great, but I'd catch them at the next club show in town. That show was awesome. I dl'd some shows, bought the studio albums, enjoyed it all. Seen them 5-6 times since. Not impressed anymore. Not really a one trick pony but this earlier post hit me...

"A lot of banter sometimes as well. Kind of annoying the same way Jeff from YMSB yaps all the time." Wysterwilson

While I like YMSB and Jeff makes up for a lotta of yapp'n with good energy and music, JJ GREY AND MOFRO seem to have gotten in this groove where the drummer lazily plays the drums, Daryl strums a chord over and over and over again, and JJ GREY OF JJ GREY AND MOFRO jibber jabbers until a song is played.

I don't hate JJ GREY AND MOFRO. But I have a feeling this name change is indictive of a downfall. Quality tunes and shows the past few years, but I don't see this ending well.

Of course, I will be seeing them in Lawrence and at Waka. Some good memories, but it seems like another frontman gone amock.

yeah, this band is definitely missing it...i even gave them a second chance, seeing them play in lauderdale, and it was pretty hurtin'. this supposed co-founder daryl, was sitting in the background and was literally nowhere in the mix, it was really strange. Like he was playing fake guitar..

not to hate, but yeah, no chemistry, weak performance, and like gretchen, i noticed " stage name JJ", not help break down any gear, unlike the rest of the band...this guy is shwag

hmmm... JB and The Widespread Panic... I'll be checking Mofro twice during Langerado. I'm sure they'll bring it.

this album is as good as the first two.. JJ keeps the soul flowing.. Its great... peace ya'll

Def dont dig the new publicity shot. It actually says JJ Grey & whoever the hell else is in the band. Boo on that one. Pickin up the album today, cant wait!

Now I know their name is "JJ Whatever and Mofro", but who actually calls them that? I bet everybody still says "hey I'm goin to see Mofro." Poop on frontmen and the person above who dropped the b-word (business). Bet Mofro won't tell you that they changed their name because "that's good business because it sells more tickets." Who is JJ Whatshisname? Here's a ticket seller for you honey: Ernest Anastasio and the Flying Felonious Assault. Now don't you go stealin' that one from me Big Red!

Regardless of MOFRO or JJ Gray for that matter, Reeble Jar is supporting them in Eugene, Portland, and Seattle! Come early, and don't miss their set; their killing it right now!!!

Got to agree, one of the laziest shows I've ever seen. I know there from the south, but come on. Does the lead guitar player always fall asleep at shows?

the first two albums were with Fogshack records, this label also handled or still does, Robert Walters, and Papa Mali.
When Mofro moved to Alligator records, I am sure, they HAD to change the name. I am willing to bet alligator, wanted to stand out with this new release and a name change makes it seem fresh and new. this may also be a contractual problem as well, a forcing of name change due to record label change.

Rockera>>> sorry u saw a sleepy show, they have a very hard tour schedule sometimes and there is not any band out there that has not played a show feeling TIRED before.. It happens.
I had to see pgroove 4 times before they busted my head open.
peace yall....

Hey yo rockera: I knows us bumpkins frum thu souf don be knowin how to move roun' too fas', but reckon you kould lurn sum spellin' where youunz iz frum? Nice incorrect use of "there" you ass-clown! If you're gonna insult us, do it with correct spelling you dink!

These guys are kick-ass but I'm also skeptical of the name change. Although, lets face it before they were JJ & Mofro althought he name doesn;t say that. Seeing them is seeing JJ. The music they pumped out was outstanding both times I've seen them but the crowd was inconsistent- zero energy the second time. But they must like C'ville for some reason since they're coming back again and for 2 nites- woohoo! If you're on the fence about going to check them out you should go- they always give you that sweet soulful stuff.

alot of JJ haters. Mofro will never break up simply because these fools cant work real jobs! i first saw them open for Robert Walter's 20th Congress back in the day and they blew me away! (i might add Georgie Sluppick was playing drums for both bands during the tour and there was nothing lazy about his drumming!) i have seen them again with a different lineup (except J and D) and it was still smokin. i commend this band for taking on a tour like this and will see both AZ shows! ill also buy the cd today!

You all are a bunch of lame ducks!

Let's not start hating on bands because of names and name changes. Anyone here who has a problem with a band because they add to their name needs to chill out. Mofro is always going to be Mofro to people who like them and go see them. Not one of us who likes this band gives one shit if they are named "Tom Sanders Little Biscuit Bakers" or "JJ Grey's Monkey Slappers". We go for the music and YES JJ GREY. Lets be honest, he brings the people out, AND THE WOMEN you wankers.

If you are a person who drives 3.5 hours and cries that the show was lame then maybe you need to stay home. I know what to expect when I go see Mofro, they bring tight soulful tunes that don't extend into noodle land, thoughtful lyrics, and good stage banter from seasoned roots musicians. I drink some brown water and enjoy my southern heritage for a night. Maybe the show is not Top 5 worthy ever time, but it will always be worth the time and a much better experience then nothing at all. Plus I am always standing in the audience with plenty of lovely ladies.

Anyone who has made the Jam Cruise will know that these guys are special, especially JJ. When we were on those boats together with this band (1st and 4th i believe) they played well, sat in with tons of bands, and would give you the time of day. That is more then can be said about many other bands.

We saw JJ Grey with Papa Mali, George Supplick, and Robert Walters last Jazz Fest at Preservation Hall. It was hands down the best show I have ever seen. There was magic in the air that night and it had everything to do with JJ being there. He is the real deal. The songs that were played that night were special and the covers were picked out masterfully. Simply Awesome! Based on that experience, I give him the respect and courtesy of calling his band anything he wants and not complaining one bit or questioning his legitimacy.

See you friday at Criminal.

FYI.. the dates on this page are not 100% accurate and their is only 1 show in C'ville on 2/26. No show there 2/27 And no show in AZ on 4/28.. This info comes via their website...

Not sure why there is so much hating... I saw these guys this week and it ruled. Horn section, lots of funk and soul.. New songs are great and have great head noddin grooves that are very danceable.. and Yeah they don't do the 20 minute noodle jam but who wants to see every band do that anyway.. I don't.. I think their great in the same line and vein of NMAS and even Panic...

i can believe that it has come to this!
people even giving a s@it what the name is!
these guys are hard working touring musicans
long live jj grey oh yea and mofro!
see ya at the historic southgate house!

i bumped in to JJ Grey at an instore in Orlando this past weekend and we asked him what the deal with the name was. He said that it was mostly to shut people up about "when he's gonna go for a solo career" and so they put his name on it because this is what he does. Mofro is his deal and he doesn't really want to do anything else. A way of warding off evils and still being able to jam with his friends (the out of focus guys) as his career. Seemed like a cool enough guy. Great groove, that band has.

Mofro is Mofro! The lineup is sort of revolving... hence putting JJ up there. However, Adam Scone is the bomb, and I got his album the last tour. AWESOME!

Anyhoo... have been lucky enough to see them a lot since 2000. Josh Miller also took one of the best band photos I have ever seen.. of them tired, in the back of a diner with creamers and crap all around them.

AT THE FILLMORE!?!? SWEEEEEET!

The new album is very good, but I have to agree with the lame live show they put on, I saw them in vermont last year and was really surprised at how a band with so much energy on the albums can be so FLAT live. The guitar player looked bored, and the sound was horrible. I know the albums well, and I still couldn't make out what they were playing half the time. Having said that, I will be at 1 of the 2 boston shows. Their albums are to good to not give them a 2nd chance

Last night the Beta Bar in Tallahassee, the band blew the place up.. Lame shows with these guys is def. a thing of the past.. Trust me, I can't and won't sit through lame and these guys have been putting on shows that are far from LAME... Last night rocked! Horns were sick! Come out and support good music!

why does eating sugarsmacks make your pee smell like sugarsmacks. Kinda like asparagus, but asparagus pee doesn't smell like asparagus. Why is this?

trusmoke ----

I was at that show and it was amazing. no one stopped dancing the entire time. no, everyone did not leave before the 2nd set. they were on that night. sorry you didn't have a good time but some of your comments are false information.

Get a bass player. And be just called Mofro oh yea, did I remeber to tell you to get a bass player like back in the day and call yourself just Mofro. Don't forget to get a bas player

we call widespread panic. just panic.. mofro can be jj grey and mofro.. who gives a rats azz? we all know JJ is the mastermind behind the band. Oh yeah Sluppick is from memphis and he did play with 20th congress, Cocheme Gastulum was in 20th Congress and sharon jones and the dap kings too.
Lots of musician sharing goes on in new orleans, memphis, and chicago, you gotta love that!! all these people I mentioned are super nice too, I have had the pleasure of speaking to all of them. peace yall...

FINALLY got a friggin copy of the album, impossible to find in NY.
Lovin it, heard alot of it at Wakarusa last summer...4 days until my MOFRO Fix

.::country ghetto now in high rotation on radioiojam.com::.