Customer Reviews

Blackwater

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

From the opening, spacey piano riff, it sounds like Mofro have been doing this for a whole lot longer than one record. The title track is stunning, otherworldly, and classic. I'd like to give this record 4.5 stars because at times it seems a little disjointed--like it can't choose between sentimental thudding funk and faster, jokey tunes--both are great, but it's a little jumpy at times. "Ho Cake" is great--a list of southern foods and some hilarious childhood anecdotes. My favorites are "Air," which makes use of rhodes electric piano, the looping "Free," the heart-wrenching "Florida," "Whitehouse," and the oh-so soulful "Brighter Days." Mofro owes just as much to the Meters (believe it or not) as they do to the environs of the Florida bayou and J.J.'s back woods upbringing. What comes across is a soulful, funky record specializing in sentimentality and filthy grooves. Recommended for fans of the aforementioned Meters, Galactic, funky jambands, and soul. These guys don't disappoint.

This CD is fabulous. As a longtime lover of funk, blues, and rock, I'm overwhelmed by Mofro's efforts on this album. Every song is interesting, funky, and somehow raunchy at the same time. The title track "Blackwater" is ridiculously catchy and I haven't been able to get it out of my head since the first time I heard it. Robert Walter, of Greyboy Allstars fame, adds some always fantastic keyboard work to accompany the band's surprising talent. Although the roots and influences are different, something about the laid back, not taking itself too seriously feel of this CD as a whole reminds me of Sublime's "40 Oz. to Freedom." I would classify exactly what sort of music fans will like this album, but honestly, anybody who likes music will like this, I promise.

First let me say that if you have any hesitation buying this album, do not fear. This is one of the best overall album's I have heard in two years. I stumbled upon these guys opening for Robert Walter's at an LA club and was blown away. As a Georgia native this was nice to hear on the west coast. The music is honest, dirty, and I dare say brilliant -- think early 70's Stevie Wonder crossed with The Meters and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Sound interesting? Just you wait.

When I received the album, I thought it couldn't really be this good. Upon repeated listenings, I was right. It is even better! The mix of songs from gutbucket blues to funky slower numbers is perfect. A couple songs sound like an early Lowell George (Little Feat) album (which is HIGH praise!). Every once in a long while, an album comes along that shocks me. This is one of those. It is simply produced, letting the musicians shine. They seem to be having a great time making the music. Robert Walter adds just the right touch with his guest appearance here. I don't care if you have never heard of these guys. Buy it, Buy it, Buy it!

There are a lot of great artist and a lot of great albums, but it is very rare that a group of artists put together a set of songs that all possess a simple genius and unwaivering syncapated groove like Mofro's Blackwater. Regardless of sales numbers, this disk should be at, or near the top, of any greatest albums of all time list.

JJ Grey's philosophy of less is more... funky, is what makes you want more of every track. The arangements are solid and kept to an appropriate length. The lyrics on all of the tracks compliment the instumentals perfectly, and relate to good old common sense. The song "Free" is the best commentary of our society, politics, and human nature that I have ever heard in a song.

Once you listen to this disk you will laugh at the next media driven award show you see. You will shake your head and say to yourself, "they just don't get it". Well Mofro does, and they expressed it perfectly on "Blackwater." So find yourself a warm night, a cool drink, a front porch, Mofro's "Blackwater", and enjoy.

Mofro have a great sound, related to the swamp sense of Tony Joe White and the jam band sense of Allman Bros. with a splash of old Creedence Clearwater Revival. Shortly after this set was released, the band was involved in a car accident that sent Nathan Shepard (keys, sax) back to his native Australia for rehab. John Grey's wife was also seriously injured. But the music is aging well. "Nare Sugar" is one of the grittiest funk grooves. If it doesn't get your toe tapping, you'd better check to see if you have a pulse. Mofro takes their time, not rushed to compact the music into a pop formula. This allows the jams to expand and build to full-blown hurricanes. "Whitehouse" is a jewel with its soulful vocals and Shepard's keyboards. This is an excellent set that will not fade away. Enjoy!

I saw MOFRO twice in the last week in New Orleans and they blew me away. Albums that are great from front to back are gems that need to be shared. Buy this album. While the album is fantastic, try to see them live as the band puts on an excellent show. JJ(Does anyone else see any Eddie Vedder in him?) has great stage presence and appears to build off the energy from the crowd. Also, the keyboardist was playing bass with one hand and keys with the other.

It's not too often that I find myself humming and singing along to a new album the first time I pop it in the CD player. This album "Blackwater" was a chance find - a friend at work had it on his desk and offered to let me borrow it for a listen. I was hooked the first time I played it. You can't help but move to this music and their down-home earthy sounds that make you smile to be a Southerner. Reminds me of just hanging out listening to great soulful music in college when people knew how to kick back and just have a good time. Plus great lyrics that really make you respect home in the South. Can't wait for their next album due out in 2004 and to see them live!

I saw these guys live in Boston in October, and was blown away. These guys have such a unique sound. I would call it something akin to Southern Blues Funk. These guys are truly amazing. The funky keyboards and clavinet will blow you away, as will J.J. Grey's soulful voice.

If you are at all interested in these guys, buy this CD. My musical taste consists primarily of Allman Brothers/Gov't Mule type of music, so I would expect myself to be a fan of MOFRO's funk, but all I can say is WOW. If their album was on vinyl, I would have worn it out already. Can't wair for their next release!

I saw these down-home boys opening on the BB King Music Festival...And I loved their soulful sound, the rich musical texture, everything everyone else has bothered saying. They gave a phenomenal show...I was blown away.

So I bought their album.

And upon further listening...WOW. They're absolutely fantastic. Funk-soul with a wonderful languor.

Plus, a great sense of humor--Ho Cake is great.