Review By Darren McIntyre Images to follow once approved
There are nights when live music transcends the ordinary, when the venue, the setlist, and the sheer spirit of the performers converge to create something unforgettable. Glasgow’s St Luke’s & The Winged Ox witnessed just such a night as JJ Grey & Mofro crossed the Atlantic for the first time to deliver their unique blend of southern rock, swamp soul, blues, and gospel-tinged storytelling. Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, and carrying with them a catalogue of ten albums, the band brought not only their music but their history, heart, and humour to a sold-out Scottish crowd eager for their long-awaited arrival.
A Long Road from Jacksonville to Glasgow
The JJ Grey & Mofro story has always been one of resilience. From their earliest days as Faith Nation and later Alma Zuma, the group’s journey was nearly derailed when a promising record deal in London collapsed. Rather than folding, they regrouped back home, signed to Fog City Records, and carved out a career defined by perseverance and a deep connection to roots music. Over the years, they’ve given us a body of work rich in swampy grooves, blues grit, and heartfelt reflection, culminating most recently in Olustree—their tenth studio record. This new material, combined with classics from across their career, would form the backbone of their Glasgow debut.
Opening the Church Doors with Olustree
As the lights dimmed and the first notes of “Olustree Intro” reverberated through St Luke’s high, vaulted ceiling, it became immediately clear that this was not just a gig but a homecoming of sorts. Though it was their first time performing on Scottish soil, the sense of connection between band and audience was palpable from the first chord. Glasgow crowds are known for their passion, and on this night, that energy was matched note for note by the band.
“Higher Than You Climb” followed, a statement of intent that carried the swagger of southern rock but also the warmth of gospel-infused harmonies. The horns of Marcus Parsley (trumpet) and Dennis Marion (saxophone) immediately stood out, cutting through the swampy textures with jubilant bursts of brass.
Stories, Shirts, and Soul
JJ Grey is more than a frontman; he is a storyteller. Midway through the set, he paused to share the tale of his now-infamous raccoon shirt, left on his entry gate in Jacksonville. At first, he hated it, he told us, but now he wears it proudly on most nights of the tour. The story, like his music, spoke to transformation and the strange ways life shapes us. Later, he reminisced about his early twenties, reflecting on who he thought he wanted to be back then. These anecdotes weren’t filler; they were extensions of the songs themselves, moments of intimacy that invited the Glasgow crowd into his world.
Even a small bout of technical issues a few songs in couldn’t dampen the spirit. If anything, the hiccup drew the audience closer to the band, with fans clapping, shouting encouragement, and later singing back with such force that JJ visibly lit up. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” he laughed at one point, overwhelmed by the chorus of voices echoing his lyrics back to him.
A Setlist That Spanned Eras
From the reflective tenderness of “Every Minute” to the soulful ache of “This River,” the setlist was a masterclass in dynamics. Each song felt carefully chosen not only to showcase the band’s range but to honour the journey that had brought them here.
Highlights included the swamp-soaked groove of “Rooster” and the deeply personal “Lochloosa Dobro,” which evoked the humid, moss-draped landscapes of Grey’s Florida roots. “Seminole Wind,” a nod to the heritage of the land and its people, carried a weight that was not lost on the Scottish audience, who responded with a hushed reverence.
As the night pushed on, “99 Shades of Crazy” and “Lazy Fo Acre” ramped the energy back up, their raw edges sharpened by Pete Winders’ searing guitar and Todd Smallie’s steady, soulful bass. Percussionist Eric Mason, with his bongos and intricate rhythms, gave the music an added texture that made even familiar songs feel revitalised.
Katie Dutton and Sage Grey’s backing vocals soared throughout, wrapping JJ’s gritty delivery in warmth and light. When the entire ensemble locked in on “On Fire,” the effect was electrifying—like a southern revival transplanted to the heart of Glasgow.
Sunshine in the Rain
By the time the band launched into “The Sun Is Shining Down,” the room was transformed. There was a spiritual quality in the air, the kind of collective release that only happens when music and audience fuse into one. Grey’s harmonica pierced through the layered instrumentation, raw and pleading, as if pulling something ancient from the walls of the old church venue.
“Brighter Days” closed the night on an anthemic high. Fans raised their arms, voices rang out, and smiles spread like wildfire across the room. If there had been any doubt about whether JJ Grey & Mofro could capture the hearts of an audience so far from home, it was erased in that final chorus. They had not just played Glasgow—they had claimed it.
Musicianship of the Highest Order
Much must be said of the band itself. Craig Barnette’s drumming was the anchor that held everything together, steady yet fluid, always serving the song. Eric Brigmond shifted seamlessly between keys and trombone, a dual role that gave the arrangements a surprising versatility. Together, this ensemble was more than a backing band—they were a family, each member’s contribution vital to the whole.
The balance of rawness and refinement defined the night. Grey’s voice, ragged yet soulful, carried the grit of southern backroads but also the tenderness of gospel pews. Every song became a testimony, not just performed but lived in real time.
A Night to Remember
For many in attendance, this was the first time witnessing JJ Grey & Mofro live. For others, it was the culmination of years of waiting for the band to finally make their way across the Atlantic. Either way, there was a sense of shared gratitude in the air. The crowd’s voices rising to meet the band’s energy became one of the defining features of the night—proof that music, when played with authenticity, knows no borders.
This Glasgow debut was not just another date on the tour; it was a landmark. JJ Grey & Mofro had crossed the pond and planted their flag in St Luke’s, not with bombast but with heart, humour, and honesty. As the final notes of “Brighter Days” faded, it was clear that this was only the beginning of their love affair with Scottish audiences.
JJ Grey & Mofro’s performance at St Luke’s & The Winged Ox was more than a concert—it was a celebration of resilience, roots, and the redemptive power of song. From the swampy grooves of Jacksonville to the rain-slicked streets of Glasgow, the band carried with them not just music but a sense of place, history, and soul.
For those lucky enough to be there, it was a night when southern swamp met Scottish spirit, and the result was nothing short of magic.
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