One Bad Mothah

Home sick today and obsessively listening to Blackwater, by Mofro.

How to describe?

Old school blues, I guess, with a 70's kinda feel and maybe a hint of white trash (or southern rock if you prefer).*

And how does it play?

Plays like Shaft, baby. One bad mothah...

The whole album is very laid-back-yet-energized; feels like a saunter masquerading as a strut.

You know those people who try too hard? Overcompensate - maybe for a lack of talent, or just out of personal insecurity?**

Yeah, this ain't that. 

I'm listening to the the titular track now, Blackwater, which builds and moves effortlessly along, not unlike the river it describes. Soulful piano chords (with maybe just a hint of gospel) punctuated by a slowly syncopated drum beat and underscored by a throbbing, almost ominous bass guitar.
Throw in a soulful, howling harmonica (think Zeppelin, When the Levy Breaks) and seemingly so familiar lyrics"roll, blackwater, roll" delivered in an unassuming alto***, and roll on it does.

Plus, not to beat the metaphor to death, but there is a definite ebb and flow to the song, which reinforces it's timeless quality. And it's far from the best song on the album, but just to give you a slice.

I dig also, "Florida" and "Lazy Fo Nacre". The latter, in particular, which has these funky, late 60's piano chords which are just... lush, baby. Makes me want to throw on a beret, smoke a spliff, and start bobbing my head in time with the universe.

But I digress.

If you like dem old school blues, with a 70's blues/funk/southern rock spin, give 'er a listen.

You will not be dissappointed. 
*And yes, I spent part of my formative years dwelling in a trailer, so I know of what I speak. 

**'Minds me of myself and acting, at least initially. Used to push way too much - trying to overcome everything with energy, or force of will.

 ***Reminiscent of Jesse Colin Young, maybe, with a little more texture and depth.