American Blues music had over a century to evolve before parenting Rock & Roll and Rap. As these children of the Blues grew up, the evolution of the mother genre slowed to a point where Blues was beginning to belong in a museum. Along come two Memphis brothers and their high-school friend and kicked the Blues' evolution back in gear. The North Mississippi Allstars yanked the Blues out of the entrance line to the musical museum.
1996
Memphis, TN
The Dickinson brothers had a Blues-blessed childhood. The sons of producer Jim Dickinson (he played keys on the Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses"), they were exposed to the real-deal of R.L. Burnside, Othar Turner, and the other local North Mississippi juke joint favorites whose raw, unconventional sounds had mostly been overshadowed by Delta and Chicago Blues. It was a perfect Blues storm, the musicianship, the history, the soul, and the energy of youth. The North Mississippi Allstars (NMA) are forging a new path and defining today's Blues.
The North Mississippi Allstars first release, "Shake Hands With Shorty", was nominated for a Grammy!
Key to the NMA sound is the sibling duo of Luther (guitar) and Cody (drums). Luther has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most innovative guitarists on any music scene today appearing on records with the Replacements, John Hiatt, and Alvin Youngblood Hart. He has also made his presence known on the Jam Band scene with appearances as a guest artist with the top bands. Cody's grooves are of world-class depth and originality. He even sports an electrified rubboard. The brothers also follow the Jam Band model and participate in other projects like Gutbucket, DDT, and collaborations with their dad.
Blues purists, critics and fans have been impressed with the way NMA can sound so different yet still retain the mud of Mississippi Blues. The future is bright for the band and the Blues.
