Volume 1
Stony Plain, 2020
8/10
A supergroup consisting of Luther and Cody Dickinson of North Mississippi Allstars, as well as ex- Squirrel Nut Zipper frontman Jimbo Mathus and blues legends Charlie Musselwhite, Alvin Youngblood Hart, and Jim Dickinson, this batch of tunes by New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers was actually recorded way back in 2008.
Recorded in one take off the floor over a couple of late nights, the players took turns playing and singing into the microphones, often improvising along the way, and they sure had a lot of fun in the process.
“Blues Why You Worry Yourself” starts the listen with spirited harmonica from Musselwhite guiding the upbeat blues, where smooth vocals align with proficient musicianship, and “Pony Blues” follows with Hart’s strong guitar prowess adding much to the swampy swagger.
Halfway through, “K.C. Moan” is a more restrained offering with group vocals, while “Let’s Work Together” recruits Jim Dickinson’s rugged pipes for the rhythmic album highlight. “Strange Land”, another stand out tune, then displays playful and intricate chemistry among the roots rockers in the Musselwhite original.
Near the end, “Stone Free” recruits plenty of classic rock swagger into the busy interpretation of the Hendrix tune, and “Stop And Listen Blues” finishes off the listen with a raw yet playful energy between the ensemble.
Sadly, Jim Dickinson passed away in 2009, so there won’t be anymore new music from New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers. However, there are 11 more tunes from the sessions to be released as Volume 2 in Spring 2021, and if it’s even half as much fun to listen to as these selections, it will be worth the investment.
Travels well with: North Mississippi Allstars- Up And Rolling; Bobby Rush- Rawer Than Raw