The North Mississippi Allstars have been shattering expectationsand dropping jaws since their founding in 1996. Over 23 years later theycontinue to be a positive force spreading the gospel of hill country music totheir devoted following and beyond. While the brothers Luther and CodyDickinson have been the constant in this group, the bass spot has been inperpetual flux since the departure of Chris Chew in 2012. While some venerabletalents have filled the slot including Pierre Wells and Ron Johnson no one hasmade the leap to official member. Currently Anders Osborne bassist Carl Dufreneis filling the role much to the delight of their fans. Their single set andencore at Washington’s lasted for over 90 minutes with wide array of theirextensive catalog on display. After a brief introduction and toast to the crowdLuther launched into “Shimmy” which gave way to shred-happy space jams on“Station Blues.”
“Need To Be Free” featured the driving bass lines of Dufrenepropping up Luther’s evocative vocals. “Meet Me In The City” is the theirdynamic ode to Holly Springs, Mississippi and the good old days. NMAS issinglehandedly keeping a tradition and style of music alive that mightotherwise sink into the swamp. The Hill Country Blues are born and bred in aplace that doesn’t receive a lot of national attention. While critics and fansvenerate the Delta Blues and the forefathers of jazz the fact remains that anequally impressive and innovative style developed just a few miles to theNorth. These two brothers work tirelessly to spread the word and celebratetheir institutions. “Mean Old World” saw Cody slapping out a tight beat beforethey continued with the sultry call to arms “Move Back to Mississippi” pennedby NMAS collaborator and friend Anders Osborne. At one point early in the setCody Dickinson emerged from behind his kit with his washboard draped over hisshoulders; he treated us to a monumental solo before stepping back to his drumthrone.
There was definitely an older fanbase in the room, which wasunfortunately only about half full. The white and grey heads bobbed on the railas the band played on brilliantly. Luther plucked on a coffee can guitar during“Drinking Muddy Water” before they went into a gritty “Psychedelic SexMachine.” NMAS kept fans moving with another pair of classics in the form of“Po Black Maddie” into a huge “Skinny Woman.” The North Mississippi Allstarsare known for focusing on the positive and looking for the bright side. Theirsong “Prayer For Peace” is the title track from their latest album and iteasily demonstrates their musical mantra. “Lord Have Mercy” was another brightspot in a really amazing set of music. Mr. Dufrene finally got his chance onthe mic for a rendition of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s blues standard “Tina Nina Nu.”Suddenly Luther reached down into the front row and hoisted local blues phenomGrace Kuch up to the stage and handed her a guitar. She took solos on both “Stealin” and “Ho Down” before shedisappeared back into the crowd. The Allstars closed down their set with theAmericana traditional “Deep Ellum” into an earthquake-inducing “Shake Em OnDown.”
The trio reappeared for a five-song encore that included a“Freedom Highway,” which Luther dedicated to the immortal Mavis Staples. Theyshut down an epic set of music with the Allman Brothers-esque “ML (Goin Home).”Simply put the North Mississippi Allstars don’t disappoint. With today’soversaturated musical landscape it’s easy to get bogged down in the “new.”Don’t forget that the North Mississippi Allstars are still out there, grindingit out for all us sinners. They bring a light and musical prowess to everystage they play that is unique and worth your attention.
