Ah, what to say about Dave Barnes? I’ve been following Dave for at least 20 years, and by 20 I mean closer to 5, yet I still listen to his first album on an often basis (is that even a phrase?). His southern soul is hard not to fall in love with, and his voice is like butter… and pancakes. Barnes’ first album Brother, Bring the Sun, introduced me to a whole new world of singer-songwritery; dissolving the pre-conceived notion I had about singer-songwriters being too coffeehouse-ish. I hate coffee.
Dave Barnes and some steps.
I remember hearing the song “Grace’s Amazing Hands” in college and crying for hours and hours. It’s really that awesome, and I’m really that sensitive. But for a first impression, I honestly thought he’d be one of those guys you’d listen to in the background while reading or knitting (assuming people still knit). It wasn’t until I bought Brother, Bring the Sun that I heard the soulful funk he really brought to the table.
The entire album sets up a cool, relaxing, just-drank-a-fresh-beer vibe (assuming you were born on or before this date 21 years ago) and leaves you with that “everything’s gon’ be all right” feeling. It takes you through a slew of musical flavors from the caressing melodies in “Nothing Fancy” and “Your Love Will Never Change” to the head-nodding “Crazyboutya” and “Can’t Grow Tired of Your Love”.
His latest studio album, Me and You and the World, combines songs from earlier albums but throws out some new tracks influenced by his charity travels abroad. I, of course, am also a huge fan of his second album, Chasing Mississippi, featuring plenty of the familiar Dave Barnes vibe, but adding a thicker layer of blues, gospel and funk to give the album a real southern twang. Plus the addition of Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Ed Cash and Matt Wertz helps.
If it influences your decision to get up and check him out, he’s always on the move touring across the country and is hilarious in person. Check out this video that made me laugh out loud at work… I mean… at home. On my spare time.
Just type Dave Barnes into YouTube and you’ll find just about as many of these gems as musical performances. I’ve also met him a few times, and he’s genuinely a really a nice guy. “Why don’t you just marry him?” you ask? Well I would, but he’s not a chick, and I’m already married to tuna casserole.
Buy his album if you want to fit in!
Amazon Music
iTunes
Like Dave Barnes? Then you’ll love Marc Broussard!
One fine day last year, the gods sitting atop Mount Olympus passed around a chalice filled to the brim with the most beautiful music. A sudden gust of wind tipped the chalice ever so slightly and the music of JJ Grey and Mofro rained down upon my ears.
With all of that said I must say that Orange Blossoms was by far my favorite album released in 2008. Hands down this record is a must have. There are very few albums that I can listen to all the way through, track by track, but Orange Blossoms is a turn-on-and-let-play kinda album.
JJ Grey and Mofro
This funky music came to my attention one day by accident as I found myself scouring the internets for something that would give me a fix of Rock/Funk/Soul/Blues/R&B all in one. Yeah, I mix my music genres together. What of it? Want to fight about it?
What I found was JJ Grey and Mofro, whose music is like hanging out on the porch after an awesome summer day. JJ’s lead vocals express a hurry up and slow down feel all filtered through a gritty, yet sunny disposition. Wicked licks take you through feelings of love, loss, pain and partying. This is one musical journey you need to take.
I hear some of you proclaiming, “But KC, I’m not into bluesy music.” My answer to that is, “Get over it.” The blues are everywhere and with the global economy in the crapper I can guarantee that blues-based music will be coming to mainstream attention this year. You might as well jump ahead of the curve right?
Rest assured, you are getting a musical cornucopia with JJ Grey and Mofro. Otis Redding, Bill Withers, and Donny Hathaway are certainly influential to the group. Not familiar with those names? Do yourself a solid and connect with their music too. Bottom line, JJ Grey and Mofro could have singles topping the charts right now. One listen and you’ll know the truth that I am spitting. Tank and I saw them live this past summer at a huge street festival and I swear to Lurline that their live show is the real deal.
If you listen to just one song, you must dive into the title track “Orange Blossoms.” If this doesn’t get your head bobbing you need to check and make sure you have a pulse. I would also highly recommend “Everything Good Is Bad,” “On Fire,” and “I Believe (In Everything).” Need more JJ Grey and Mofro? Welcome their album Country Ghetto into your life and see the world through different eyes.
Because I know you now love their song “On Fire” you have to watch the most awesomest music video ever made. Warning: you will want to make sure you are rockin’ an adult diaper ’cause the intense laughter might force you to pee just a wee bit.
Dig around the band’s web site at http://www.mofro.net or just go ahead and pick up the album below. Do it.
Amazon Music
iTunes
