Review By Darren McIntire
There are gigs that make you smile, and then there are gigs that feel like they cleanse the soul. JJ Grey & Mofro’s debut Scottish performance at St Luke’s & The Winged Ox fell firmly into the latter category — a night where southern soul, swamp rock, and blues collided in glorious, life-affirming harmony.
For over two decades, JJ Grey & Mofro have carried the humid heat of Jacksonville, Florida, into every note they play. Originally starting out under names like Faith Nation and Alma Zuma before signing with Fog City Records, the band has evolved into a powerhouse of soulful storytelling and earthy groove. With ten studio albums to their name and the recent release of Olustree, this long-awaited UK visit felt like both a celebration and a homecoming of sorts — even if it was their first time “across the pond”.
From the moment the “Olustree Intro” rolled out, the atmosphere in St Luke’s — a converted church glowing with anticipation — was electric. “Higher Than You Climb” set the tone perfectly, a song that blended gospel-tinged optimism with gritty, blues-driven energy. JJ’s voice, weathered and rich, filled every corner of the room, equal parts preacher and poet.
“Everything Is A Song” and “WYLF” followed in effortless succession, the crowd quickly finding its rhythm with the band. JJ paused to share stories between songs, telling us about the infamous raccoon shirt — left hanging on his front gate back in Jacksonville by some mysterious stranger. “I hated it at first,” he laughed, “but now I wear it most nights on tour.” It was a perfect glimpse into the man’s offbeat charm — humble, funny, and disarmingly genuine.
A couple of songs in, some technical gremlins caused a brief hiccup, but JJ handled it like a veteran, chatting easily with the crowd about his early twenties and the uncertain road that led him to music. By the time the sound returned to full force, the band launched into “Every Minute” and “This River”, each number bathed in soul and swampy emotion.
Guitarist Pete Winders delivered tasteful licks that danced between rock grit and southern sweetness, while Todd Smallie’s bass lines rumbled deep beneath the melodies. Eric Mason brought texture with bongos and percussion, creating that distinctive Mofro groove that’s as humid as a Florida night. Meanwhile, Eric Brigmond switched between keys and trombone like a man possessed, trading lines with Marcus Parsley’s trumpet and Dennis Marion’s sax in a horn section that was nothing short of sublime.
When “Top Of The World” and “Lochloosa Dobro” hit, it was clear this wasn’t just a concert — it was communion. The crowd, many of whom had likely waited years for this chance, sang every word back at him. JJ, clearly moved, stepped back from the mic at times, just to let the room take over.
A highlight came with a heartfelt rendition of “Seminole Wind”, where his harmonica howled like the ghosts of the swamp. “99 Shades Of Crazy” lifted the tempo again, pushing everyone into motion, while “Lazy Fo Acre” and “On Fire” carried that deep-south funk energy that defines the Mofro experience.
But it was “The Sun Is Shining Down” that stopped time. JJ sang it with raw conviction, voice cracking in places, making it all the more real. The church setting added an almost spiritual glow — people stood still, many visibly emotional. As the final song, “Brighter Days”, rolled out, the crowd clapped and swayed in perfect unison, the horns soaring, with backing vocals from Katie Dutton and Sage Grey wrapping the sound in warmth and light.
By the end, JJ looked visibly touched. “Y’all made this first Scottish show one I’ll never forget,” he said, wiping his brow, raccoon shirt and all. The crowd roared, a mix of gratitude and awe filling the room.
JJ Grey & Mofro’s Glasgow debut wasn’t just a gig — it was a story told in sweat, soul, and sunshine. A perfect reminder that great music doesn’t just travel across oceans — it transcends them.
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