The first of a two-night NYC run, and midway through their East Coast joint headline tour, AOD took the stage to open up for Mofro to a full-ish house at the newly opened and renovated Highline Ballroom. In fine form from the start, AOD ripped through a tight set, touching on fresh material from their newest studio album Recollection, as well as laying down some solid fan favorites for the appreciative crowd. Rolling from "What Say" through "Amplified Messiah" into a finely handled "Drawn," Reid Genauer laid it on the line, imbuing the set with genuine emotion

"Low C" was a high point with Nate Wilson opening up on the keys. "Poland" was outstanding with the crowd warmly wrapped up in the homegrown vibe. "The Honest Hour" showcased Genauer's maturing songwriting and bookmarked the second part of the set. AOD is always a pleasure to rock along to and this show was a welcome treat for those new fans just switching onto the band, while at the same time delivering a sweet taste to the loyal crew who have grown alongside the band.   

  JJ Grey and Mofro seem to be in a fine place these days. The usually taciturn JJ Grey was literally beaming with happiness, whether it was being back in New York, or just because it was Friday, here was a man who was out to have a good time. Backed as always by the quietly powerful Daryl Hance on guitar, Grey lifted tracks from the full Mofro cannon to weave together a top-notch set. Dipping into Blackwater, a raucous "Ho Cake" lifted the roof, an always fine "Lochaloosa" was the perfect pairing for the more recent "Mississippi." Hearing both songs in the same set has me convinced they are long-lost cousins--family members who may not spend a lot of time together but share the same DNA.

Grey has the South in his, and as an Aussie I'm about as South as they come, but once again it's Grey ability to place his lyrics so specifically yet universally that keeps disparate folk listening. Transcending the New York night, Mofro played up a storm; joined by the Hercules Horns (Art Edmaiston and Dennis Marion), the crowd was whipped up by the visible rise in energy, and rewarded the band with a dense dose of noise. More Mofro all of the time is the principal recipe that I ascribe to and one I'm more than willing to share with folks. Next time, JJ, I'm bringin' the BBQ.