Jj Grey & Mofro Ol' Glory [LP]

Normally, when musicians grow both in confidence and ambition over time it's considered a good thing. JJ Grey & Mofro's sound grew from a gritty, stripped-down hybrid they called "Lochloosa," a musical meld of swamp pop, funky gospel, Louisiana-tinged R&B, and roots rock. Lyrically, Grey spun myths from the rich, humid soil of his homeland straight into the band's grooves. Things got funkier and rowdier on 2010's Georgia Warhorse and 2013's This River, where they truly gelled. Now signed to Provogue, Grey's grandest musical statement yet lies on Ol' Glory, where it sounds like he's asserting himself as a frontman rather than a singer/songwriter fronting a band. Opener "Everything Is a Song" is a joyous, retro Muscle Shoals R&B-styled number with tight horns, ringing piano, and a gorgeous chorus of backing vocals from Kalen Michele Dennis and Grey. The gentle interplay of acoustic and electric slide guitars on "The Island" (courtesy of guest Luther Dickinson) is understated,