Luther Dickinson - Guitar, Vocals, Mandolin
Cody Dickinson - Drums, Samples
Chris Chew - Bass
Blues has always been a terribly boring genre to me. Various common chord progression, a small selection of scales, slow tempo, etc. It is all usually easy to predict. But fortunately, the simplistic ability of the Blues seems to vent an artists style more so than other genres. Which ultimately makes it possible for me to be a fan of certain Blues musicians or Blues influenced musicians. Some artists that have make Blues an likable genre for me have been the Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead, the Black Crowes, Gov’t Mule, the Big Brother & The Holding Company, and finally the North Mississippi Allstars.
The North Mississippi Allstars are a small town Mississippi band that came together after the destruction of a former band. DDT, a Thrash-Funk trio featured brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson with friend Paul Taylor. In time this small time group would breakup due to the leaving of Taylor. However, the Dickinson brothers did not halt from producing music. After recruiting bassist Chris Chew, the boys decided to form a Roots band. Growing up in a small southern town, they were open to much Country and Blues influence, and finally would put the influence to good use. However, they wouldn’t never completely abandon their former Thrash-Funk style. The now North Mississippi Allstars would combine styles new and old to create a lively chaotic exploration of American Roots and Rock n Roll.
On the band’s debut, Shake Hands With Shorty, the North Mississippi Allstars combine all fitting elements into a ten song set list. From Blues to Bluegrass, the Allstars keep the listener guessing at every moment. And by never staying in one position too long, the band also manages to create a classic album filled with interesting jams and timeless tracks.
Shake Hands With Shorty is opened perfectly. A raw, fast moving combination of Blues and Hip-Hop that originally introduced The North Mississippi Allstars to the world. “Shake ‘Em on Down” is hopefully as much of a treat for the listener now as it was five years ago. Through the four minutes of “Shake ‘Em on Down” fantastic producing is displayed. Father Jim Dickinson had lent his producing skills to his son’s debut perfectly. Fusing Luther’s rapid slides up and down the fret board, Cody’s interesting sampling, and Chris’ strait up bass line, Dickinson presents the intro in a fantastic manner.
Following the hit intro is a lighter form of the Blues. With a moderate pace and a beautifully flowing bass line, “Drop Down Mama” does not disappoint. Though this second track is instrumentally up to par, there is light influence on the subject. The bands secret lies inside of the groove, at least on this track that is. “Drop Down Mama” does manage to deliver, but has several weak points. Mainly Luther’s over the top solo.
Next up, the story of the “Po Black Maddie”. “Po Black Maddie” is a catchy Blues-Rock number with an urban sound to. The unison supported melodies cannot be anymore catchy. Eventually, the catchy tune turns into a more annoying jam. With no particular special solos, just a bad chosen key change. But fortunately, the beginning of the track us definitely quality. The now previous third track leads into “Skinny Woman”. “Skinny Woman” is a similar track revolving around jamming. But unlike the previous track, the lyrical quality lacks, but instrumentally is well done. Overall, “Skinny Woman” is merely a mediocre track.
An Allman Brother influence track has begun. “Drinking Muddy Water” matches both the feel and the style of The Allman Brothers. Luther sings the basic lyrics with great style and matching lead slide lines. Luther’s slide skills are usually very well done, but occasionally messy. Luckily, he does more than a good job on this track. On top the well done guitar playing, the vocal harmonies are fantastic. He member jells well, even though their voices could not be any more different. “Drinking Muddy Water” delivers well. A rather basic “Goin’ Down South” follows. “Goin’ Down South” is once again instrumentally ace, but emotionally and lyrically boring. Not much of a highlight at all.
The North Mississippi Allstars really manage to create a fantastic combination of Hip-Hop and Folk music. “K.C. Jones (On the Road Again)” tells a story of a poor soul named K.C. Jones. From being arrested to
being found dead on the wheels of a passenger train, the lyrics remain interesting throughout the song. Luther Dickinson tells the story through spoken words, beautiful singing and even rap on the occasion. Such instruments as a mandolin, piano and various others are also featured. Ultimately making the song very diverse and a for sure highlight. “K.C. Jones (On the Road Again” is extremely hard to explain, but none the less fantastic and highly recommended.
Following the oddly fused “K.C. Jones” comes an odd rendition of a classic Bluegrass/Folk tune. The North Mississippi Allstars perform there own version of “Sitting on Top of the World” with a very unique sense. “Station Blues” (Yes, they renamed the song) features Luther’s depressing vocals layered with skillful slide playing, oddly timed beats and various musical oddities making his classic a hit. “Station Blues” leads into “Someday Baby” nicely. Unfortunately, “Someday Baby” is in no way a special track. Nothing unexpected or catchy.
To close the rather well done debut, the Allstars performed a very odd jam entitled “All Night Long”. “All Night Long” features several key changes, tempo changes, a dozen solos and few words. Though at times boring, each section is all done tastefully. Luther manages to keep many solos interesting, and the rhythm section supports him very well. Not the greatest exit, but credible non the less.
