from Blues Revue (album review)
Zydeco Jam Band from the North Coast by Eric Wrisley
Full disclosure: I worked on the design for this disc. So later on when I rave about the cover art – well – you can take that with a grain of salt. Further, it’s no secret that Mo’ Mojo has long been one of my favorite local bands, and their first disc will give you an idea why. Their first release, Finally!, finds the band in the studio but manages to capture the right energy with live recordings and minimal overdubs. Fundamentally, zydeco is dance music, and there’s a good-time groove that winds through this set. Billing themselves as a zydeco jam band, Mo’ Mojo blends pure zydeco and Cajun tunes with layered instrumental breaks that give everyone a chance for a solo. Accordion and fiddle anchor the disc and compete for attention, but there is a lot more going on. “Dawg Hill” is busy with rubboard, triangle, and some extra percussion. “Tell Me Why” contrasts sharp harmonies over sparse instrumentation. “Ride That Train” takes a bluesy turn with Sam Rettman’s puffing harmonica.
One of the standout tracks is a rendition of Prince’s “Kiss” (yes, that Prince), featuring a loping guitar solo followed by a sax lead that echoes the ubiquitous, drippy sax solos of the ’80s. True to the form, the album is a mix of originals and covers, including a couple of non-zydeco tunes. Front-woman Jen Maurer penned the majority of the originals which range from stick-to-the-book traditional stylings to pop-informed Cajun numbers. The best of these is “Rockin’ Chair,” which again shows off the band’s bright vocals. Think Tin Pan Alley meets the Bayou, with a little bit of a rock ‘n’ roll edge. Speaking of rock ‘n’ roll, who spanned genres from the traditional to the modern better than Bo Diddley? No one. Aptly, the set closes with a take of “Who Do You Love?” firmly planted in rock ‘n’ roll territory.
Full disclosure: I worked on the design for this disc. So later on when I rave about the cover art – well – you can take that with a grain of salt. Further, it’s no secret that Mo’ Mojo has long been one of my favorite local bands, and their first disc will give you an idea why. Their first release, Finally!, finds the band in the studio but manages to capture the right energy with live recordings and minimal overdubs. Fundamentally, zydeco is dance music, and there’s a good-time groove that winds through this set. Billing themselves as a zydeco jam band, Mo’ Mojo blends pure zydeco and Cajun tunes with layered instrumental breaks that give everyone a chance for a solo. Accordion and fiddle anchor the disc and compete for attention, but there is a lot more going on. “Dawg Hill” is busy with rubboard, triangle, and some extra percussion. “Tell Me Why” contrasts sharp harmonies over sparse instrumentation. “Ride That Train” takes a bluesy turn with Sam Rettman’s puffing harmonica.
One of the standout tracks is a rendition of Prince’s “Kiss” (yes, that Prince), featuring a loping guitar solo followed by a sax lead that echoes the ubiquitous, drippy sax solos of the ’80s. True to the form, the album is a mix of originals and covers, including a couple of non-zydeco tunes. Front-woman Jen Maurer penned the majority of the originals which range from stick-to-the-book traditional stylings to pop-informed Cajun numbers. The best of these is “Rockin’ Chair,” which again shows off the band’s bright vocals. Think Tin Pan Alley meets the Bayou, with a little bit of a rock ‘n’ roll edge. Speaking of rock ‘n’ roll, who spanned genres from the traditional to the modern better than Bo Diddley? No one. Aptly, the set closes with a take of “Who Do You Love?” firmly planted in rock ‘n’ roll territory.
from Blues Bytes (album review)
Album Review by John Gadd
Mo’ Mojo is known for its engaging live shows that blend zydeco, the jam band spirit, and the rich musical heritage of its native Northeast Ohio. The Akron-based band, which in various incarnations has been active since the mid-1990s, recently released its debut CD, a polished blend of musicianship, passion and subtlety, long awaited by devoted followers and regularly sought after by emerging fans upon experiencing their first Mo’ Mojo show. Appropriately, the title of the CD is, Finally!
Finally! leads off with 'Acadiana,' an upbeat tribute by Mo’ Mojo leader, singer/multi-instrumentalist Jen Maurer, to the band’s musical roots. From the opening groove laid out by bassist Darren Thompson and drummers’ drummer Rod Lubline, to lyrical solos by fiddle player Bill Lestock and guitarist Joe Golden, the track sets the tone for an enjoyable and cohesive 59 minutes of Mo’ Mojo originals, as well as covers in honor of legends Boozoo Chavis, The Meters, Bo Diddley, and contemporary New Orleans musician Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes.
Another highlight is 'Ride That Train,' with precision harmony vocals shared by Maurer and Leigh Ann Wise, and supported by textural harmonica from special guest Sam Rettman, evoking a bluesy journey that John Lee Hooker and Little Walter would have readily jumped on board with. In addition, 'My Jolie,' a pretty Cajun waltz and longtime Mo’ Mojo classic co-written by Maurer, founding member the late Scott “Texas” Gann, and former band bassist Kip Amore, is a heartfelt love song that transcends musical styles.
Perhaps the most powerful song is 'I Know My Business Too,' Maurer’s confident statement supported with soulful solos by guitarist Golden and saxophonist Davidione Pearl. By the last verse, as Maurer sings, “I’m proud to be a sister on the stage doin’ the zydeco, it once may have been a man’s place, but it ain’t gonna be no more,” the listener recognizes that Maurer isn’t merely bragging, and she isn’t asking for approval; rather, she is an artist stating it as it is.
Finally! is a studio CD that accomplishes the feats of not only capturing the talents of an all-star team of Northeast Ohio musicians, but also reflecting the personality of a dynamic live band whose shows are known as being full-fledged experiences. To longtime fans who have hoped for a Mo’ Mojo CD, as well as to those who are just beginning to learn about the band, Finally! has, indeed, been worth the wait.
Mo’ Mojo is known for its engaging live shows that blend zydeco, the jam band spirit, and the rich musical heritage of its native Northeast Ohio. The Akron-based band, which in various incarnations has been active since the mid-1990s, recently released its debut CD, a polished blend of musicianship, passion and subtlety, long awaited by devoted followers and regularly sought after by emerging fans upon experiencing their first Mo’ Mojo show. Appropriately, the title of the CD is, Finally!
Finally! leads off with 'Acadiana,' an upbeat tribute by Mo’ Mojo leader, singer/multi-instrumentalist Jen Maurer, to the band’s musical roots. From the opening groove laid out by bassist Darren Thompson and drummers’ drummer Rod Lubline, to lyrical solos by fiddle player Bill Lestock and guitarist Joe Golden, the track sets the tone for an enjoyable and cohesive 59 minutes of Mo’ Mojo originals, as well as covers in honor of legends Boozoo Chavis, The Meters, Bo Diddley, and contemporary New Orleans musician Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes.
Another highlight is 'Ride That Train,' with precision harmony vocals shared by Maurer and Leigh Ann Wise, and supported by textural harmonica from special guest Sam Rettman, evoking a bluesy journey that John Lee Hooker and Little Walter would have readily jumped on board with. In addition, 'My Jolie,' a pretty Cajun waltz and longtime Mo’ Mojo classic co-written by Maurer, founding member the late Scott “Texas” Gann, and former band bassist Kip Amore, is a heartfelt love song that transcends musical styles.
Perhaps the most powerful song is 'I Know My Business Too,' Maurer’s confident statement supported with soulful solos by guitarist Golden and saxophonist Davidione Pearl. By the last verse, as Maurer sings, “I’m proud to be a sister on the stage doin’ the zydeco, it once may have been a man’s place, but it ain’t gonna be no more,” the listener recognizes that Maurer isn’t merely bragging, and she isn’t asking for approval; rather, she is an artist stating it as it is.
Finally! is a studio CD that accomplishes the feats of not only capturing the talents of an all-star team of Northeast Ohio musicians, but also reflecting the personality of a dynamic live band whose shows are known as being full-fledged experiences. To longtime fans who have hoped for a Mo’ Mojo CD, as well as to those who are just beginning to learn about the band, Finally! has, indeed, been worth the wait.
from examiner.com (live show review)
Mo den jus' mere Mojo by John Pritchard
When approaching the entrance it became more than apparent that Mo' Mojo had taken ownership of the small stage at the NorthSide Bar & Grill promptly at 9pm. A well-known and more sophisticated place than the once upon a time Cavanaugh's, located on the N. Main Street extension beside Luigi's, this club does more than advertise the eclectic, it delivers. Opening the door, we were struck by a rhythmic calliope of creole zydeco colophon which swept through the venue like a hurricane and warmed you with a bayou breeze that could thaw this January nights’ chill.
Knowing full well I wanted to get a closer look, but curious to find out if the band would receive every dime of the cover charge, (cause these folks are worth every penny). Briefly shaking down the Doorman for cred... my company and I took up residence at the westerly end of the stage closest to most recent acquisition, electronic fiddler Bill Lestock, while Mo Mojo continued their walk down a set-list unaware and unrestrained. With a side view of the standard 7 and sometimes as many as 9 or 10 players, these funkin' groove maestros churned a mean brew of Cajun stew…
No nonsense metronome Drummer Rod, with partner in crime, hookin' back-beat bassist Darren, (if I ever compile a best local musicians list shoe-in entry) Guitarist Joe Golden. Never forget the soul of this body, Davidione's sax and rubboard services are essential. Then we explore the more reserved of the fronting female duo Leigh Ann who tingles her percussive treats, a Triangle along with complimentary half-step harmonies. As the unassuming Belle of the Gypsy Ball, new age accordionist, and vocal stylist Jen, in sync with the aforementioned fiddler Bill, mesmerizing all with her delivery and execution, smiling that; if it's in rhythm, it's in-style consensus. Singing with the abandonment of a Deadhead on a 3 week camping tour, she is the single circuit catalyst that commands and relays the Mojo at any spot they play.
As if like rabbits breeding before your eyes, with every song dancer numbers multiply, floor fills to what can only be a proclamation of 'Dance Space Everywhere'. For a set that rivaled a concert length of nearly 2 hours, they dished out flavorful spiced takes on memorable selections that are better experienced than one could ever describe. Do yourself and a woman of your choice a favor and catch these infectious groove harvesters somewhere this summer, because this band is made for the great outdoors as they blow the roof off. Mo' Fun for Everyone. A REAL Pleasure that you can take away with you now, with their first CD. On your day of rest, Jen isn't.
When approaching the entrance it became more than apparent that Mo' Mojo had taken ownership of the small stage at the NorthSide Bar & Grill promptly at 9pm. A well-known and more sophisticated place than the once upon a time Cavanaugh's, located on the N. Main Street extension beside Luigi's, this club does more than advertise the eclectic, it delivers. Opening the door, we were struck by a rhythmic calliope of creole zydeco colophon which swept through the venue like a hurricane and warmed you with a bayou breeze that could thaw this January nights’ chill.
Knowing full well I wanted to get a closer look, but curious to find out if the band would receive every dime of the cover charge, (cause these folks are worth every penny). Briefly shaking down the Doorman for cred... my company and I took up residence at the westerly end of the stage closest to most recent acquisition, electronic fiddler Bill Lestock, while Mo Mojo continued their walk down a set-list unaware and unrestrained. With a side view of the standard 7 and sometimes as many as 9 or 10 players, these funkin' groove maestros churned a mean brew of Cajun stew…
No nonsense metronome Drummer Rod, with partner in crime, hookin' back-beat bassist Darren, (if I ever compile a best local musicians list shoe-in entry) Guitarist Joe Golden. Never forget the soul of this body, Davidione's sax and rubboard services are essential. Then we explore the more reserved of the fronting female duo Leigh Ann who tingles her percussive treats, a Triangle along with complimentary half-step harmonies. As the unassuming Belle of the Gypsy Ball, new age accordionist, and vocal stylist Jen, in sync with the aforementioned fiddler Bill, mesmerizing all with her delivery and execution, smiling that; if it's in rhythm, it's in-style consensus. Singing with the abandonment of a Deadhead on a 3 week camping tour, she is the single circuit catalyst that commands and relays the Mojo at any spot they play.
As if like rabbits breeding before your eyes, with every song dancer numbers multiply, floor fills to what can only be a proclamation of 'Dance Space Everywhere'. For a set that rivaled a concert length of nearly 2 hours, they dished out flavorful spiced takes on memorable selections that are better experienced than one could ever describe. Do yourself and a woman of your choice a favor and catch these infectious groove harvesters somewhere this summer, because this band is made for the great outdoors as they blow the roof off. Mo' Fun for Everyone. A REAL Pleasure that you can take away with you now, with their first CD. On your day of rest, Jen isn't.