Customer Reviews

North Mississippi Allstars: Keep on Marchin

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The North Mississippi All Stars cover the distance from traditional blues to contemporary jam in a single step, and in this DVD we watch them take the full stride. The set opens with guitarist Luther Dickinson soloing on a modified diddley bow (here, a single-string instrument with a cigar box resonator with a broom handle) and evolves into Chicago blues, funk, Phish-type jams, funk, near-hip-hop, and finally into Derek-Trucks-quality jazz improvisions. Along the way, the trio periodically circles back to the blues touchstone that underlies it all. There's even a solo washboard performance by Cody Dickinson (brother of Luther Dickson). The Dickinson brothers--along with bassist Chris Chew--channel the traditional delta music in all directions and never lose sight of home. As an improvisional trio, the North Mississippi All Stars really have few equals all the way back to Cream.

Even though they are larger than the sum of their parts when they're doing Allman-style extended instrumental jams, they thin out during the vocal passages and seem limited by the trio format. Somehow, the vocals separate out from the rhythm like an unstirred roux. Luther Dickinson's rugged vocals add an air of authenticity and immediacy reminiscent of singer James Dewar's work on Robin Tower's notable blues work, but Dickinson's thinner, reedier voice just can't carry the full load demanded by a band of this power.

But there's no slighting any individual player. Drummer Cody Dickinson displays more flair that the genre usually allows, but does he does it well, drawing on resources and chops that were never included in the Blues toolbox. Bassist Chews is ultimate pocket player. Even his solos remain firmly in the groove, embellished with just enough melody to elevate it above the rhythm lines. Luther Dickinson is a slide player unrivalled anywhere.

When this DVD finds the groove, it's quite a ride.

Note: Copyright 2007 Elmore magazine and reprinted with permission.

I bought this DVD at the Newport Folk Festival where NMA played with the Allman Brothers Band on a scorching hot weekend (the weather was hot & humid too). If you can not see these guys live, get this DVD for the experience of pure delight these gents provide to their listening audience. The performance of Cody Dickinson playing "Psychedelic Sex Machine" on an electrified washboard is worth the price alone. Luther Dickinson is just wild on his slide and Chris Chew knows how to play the crowd. Magnificent! You don't need a song by song rundown, they are all good. The DVD is your standard band on stage type recording but these guys carry it off and you can tell the crowd just loves them and you will too! Buy this!!!

I've only seen these guys in concert once, but I'd go back if I had the chance. This is a great representation of their show, and the extras add some insight to the band. Solid, rock-steady rythems and Luther's guitar wailing over the top ! Blues, rock, southern rock, country - they can do it all.

This is an outstanding "north mississippi hill country " blues -rock concert dvd. You get Luther Dickinson on lead , slide guitar and on vocals, his brother Cody on drums and washboard, and Chris Chew on the bass. These are "pedigreed" bluesmen, Luther and Cody's daddy was a bluesman. Chris played gospel music in church. They grew up in Memphis and in north Mississippi, and were surrounded by the blues. They dedicate this concert to R.L.Burnside, a legendary north mississippi hill country bluesman, who was know for rocking a juke joint. "R.L.Burnside is with the Angels in Heaven" so says Luther during the concert.

The entire concert is outstanding, but some highlights include: "Mississippi Boll Weevil" featuring Luther on a one string guitar; Psychedelic Sex Machine featuring Cody playing an electric washboard; and "Keep on Marching" which begins with Luther playing a guitar solo of "When the Staints go Marching In", and turns into "Keep on Marching" featuring an exchange of vocals between Luther and Chris.

There is bonus material also, which includes interviews with the band members.

This is an excellent blues-rock concert dvd, and I highly recommend it.

What can I say, any music DVD that gets filmed in my hometown of Burlington, Vermont gets a big thumbs up from me anytime. Fortunately, this disc is just plain good. If you like southern blues/rock, you'll like this disc. The Dickenson brothers together with bassist Chris Chew play their a#*es off, pulling out all the stops to make an enjoyable set. Basic, band on the stage transfer, but tastefully done with good to excellent picture quality. Sound rivals the PQ too. A big thumbs up.

seen 'em on live a bunch and this DVD is consistent w/ an awesome performance.

If you are reading this chances are you already know about the NMA so I don't have to tell you how awesome "Keep on Marchin" is. I will probably wear this disc out.