JJ Gray & Mofro

Published on 26 February 2024 at 09:00

Release of 10th album on February 23rd, 2024!

 

 


JJ Grey, an accomplished musician known for his deeply moving, masterfully written funkified rock and front porch Southern soul style. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Grey's musical journey began playing music at a local juke joint while also working at a lumberyard.

Mofro, the band that Grey is best known for, originated in the mid-1990s when Grey and Daryl Hance signed with a UK label and performed as Mofro Magic in Europe. The name "Mofro" was coined by Grey as an explanation of the band's sound, derived from a nickname given to him by a co-worker. After the UK label deal fell through, Grey and Hance returned to Jacksonville and formed Mofro.

In 2001, JJ Grey & Mofro released their debut album, "Blackwater." It was with that rocking blast of energy the guys hit the ground running and started traveling. By 2004, The band released "Lochloosa" and the title track from this album would go on to obtain 12 million Spotify streams and still continues to be one of the band's most popular songs.

In 2007, The next release would prove more success as "Country Ghetto" came out and the song "Mississippi" started getting attention. The guys immediately started work on their next record. 2008 came and JJ Grey & Mofro released "Orange Blossoms." The title track off this one would go on the reach 20 million streams and counting. What a seriously high mark.

JJ and the crew began selling out shows after 2008. Their 2009 album release of "The Choice Cuts" was incredible, the tour was a smash and in 2010, the album "Georgia Warhorse" would hit us with "The Sweetest Thing" and "Beautiful World." This album is undoubtedly worth the dive and only added to the success of the band.

2011, the band showcased their power with a live album, covering a wide range of the songs they had released in the previous 10 years. When the tour ended, the boys got right back to work and planned a 2013 release. "99 Shades of Crazy" is one of the many great songs you will find on Grey's album "The River."

On a strong roll, the band would go on to release their 9th album "Ol Glory," and the name says it all. Truly a U.S.-made album,
With some songs that will pull your heartstrings. JJ Gray & Mofro released a bag of singles from the years 2016 to 2023 including some vinyl sessions.

February 23, 2024, The band released their 10th studio album! "Olustee," which also happens to be the band's first self-produced album in many years. "Olustee" showcases Grey's ability to sing personal stories with universal themes of redemption, rebirth, hard luck, and inner peace. The album pushes the boundaries of Grey's creative musical, lyrical, and vocal talents, solidifying its place as an instant classic.

Many of the songs on "Olustee" are inspired by the mythical Southern stories of Grey's ancestral Florida home and the people in his life. Grey tells these stories through the eyes of a poet and sings them with pure, unvarnished soul. Through his music, Grey hopes to convey a message of respecting the natural world, living in the moment, and always remembering the importance of having a good time.

Grey's love for performing is evident, but his heart remains rooted in the Okefenokee Swamp and the sensory experiences it offers. He emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the world outside one's own front door and not getting lost in the shuffle of everyday life. Grey believes that where you live, the people around you, the food you eat, and the social dynamics of the area all influence the music you create.

In conclusion, JJ Grey is an artist who delivers soul-honest truths through his deeply moving, masterfully written music. With his recent release "Olustee," Grey continues to push the boundaries of his creative talents. His music serves as a celebration of life, emphasizing the importance of connection with nature, living in the moment, and having a good time with rock 'n' roll.



(Sources)

Wikipedia,

Glide Magazine,

Live Stream Magazine,

JJ Gray & Mofro Site/Epk,

Meta,

Spotify,

 

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