Search - North Mississippi Allstars: Keep on Marchin on DVD

Recommended Blues

David Bradford | Cary, NC USA | 06/24/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The North Mississippi All Stars cover the distance from traditional blues to contemporary jam in a single step, and in this DVD we watch them take the full stride. The set opens with guitarist Luther Dickinson soloing on a modified diddley bow (here, a single-string instrument with a cigar box resonator with a broom handle) and evolves into Chicago blues, funk, Phish-type jams, funk, near-hip-hop, and finally into Derek-Trucks-quality jazz improvisions. Along the way, the trio periodically circles back to the blues touchstone that underlies it all. There's even a solo washboard performance by Cody Dickinson (brother of Luther Dickson). The Dickinson brothers--along with bassist Chris Chew--channel the traditional delta music in all directions and never lose sight of home. As an improvisional trio, the North Mississippi All Stars really have few equals all the way back to Cream.

Even though they are larger than the sum of their parts when they're doing Allman-style extended instrumental jams, they thin out during the vocal passages and seem limited by the trio format. Somehow, the vocals separate out from the rhythm like an unstirred roux. Luther Dickinson's rugged vocals add an air of authenticity and immediacy reminiscent of singer James Dewar's work on Robin Tower's notable blues work, but Dickinson's thinner, reedier voice just can't carry the full load demanded by a band of this power.

But there's no slighting any individual player. Drummer Cody Dickinson displays more flair that the genre usually allows, but does he does it well, drawing on resources and chops that were never included in the Blues toolbox. Bassist Chews is ultimate pocket player. Even his solos remain firmly in the groove, embellished with just enough melody to elevate it above the rhythm lines. Luther Dickinson is a slide player unrivalled anywhere.

When this DVD finds the groove, it's quite a ride.

Note: Copyright 2007 Elmore magazine and reprinted with permission."

When You Can't Be There...

Musesman | Tiverton, RI USA | 08/11/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this DVD at the Newport Folk Festival where NMA played with the Allman Brothers Band on a scorching hot weekend (the weather was hot & humid too). If you can not see these guys live, get this DVD for the experience of pure delight these gents provide to their listening audience. The performance of Cody Dickinson playing "Psychedelic Sex Machine" on an electrified washboard is worth the price alone. Luther Dickinson is just wild on his slide and Chris Chew knows how to play the crowd. Magnificent! You don't need a song by song rundown, they are all good. The DVD is your standard band on stage type recording but these guys carry it off and you can tell the crowd just loves them and you will too! Buy this!!!"