DVD Reviews
    brought to you by
    Blues On Stage
    Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame 2009 "Supportive of the Blues"
    The Blues Foundation's 1999 "Keeping the Blues Alive Award"
    music bar
    North Mississippi Allstars
    Keep On Marchin
    (Songs of The South Records, DVD Label #00314898535)
    By Gary Weeks
    Being the ambassadors of hill country blues is something the North Mississippi All-Stars pull off with ease. Drummer Cody Dickinson, bassist Chris Chew and guitarist Luther Dickinson have lived a life surrounded by the families of Otha Turner and R.L. Burnside. Blues barbeque and moonshine parties have seen these family members interacting, partying and jamming in backwoods juke joints creating a sound as fresh as bourbon and strong enough as whiskey white lightning. Growing up in Mississippi hill country, these kids had the advantages of immersing themselves in a heritage bred from the cotton fields of which it came.

    If this isn't believable, then the dvd Keep On Marchin recorded in Burlington, Vermont's Higher Ground will attest to the All-Stars staying power. Judging by the camera shots, the majority of the crowd seems to be young college kids with a few middle-aged faces looking to regain their youth. For this band, it's all about bringing the atmosphere of these backwoods juke joints to the mainstream and having a party.

    In doing this the All-Stars have found themselves a loyal following. Working endlessly on the road for years has helped them build a grassroots following without having to rely on videos or other corporate marketing tools. They are cut from the same cloth as the Allmans and Black Crowes: Ever changing setlists, long jams, tye-dyed youngsters and a contempt for playing the game.

    The major problems with musical improvisation is in stretching songs can lead to endless noodling. But the Allstars have jamming down to a science. Dickinson's lead guitar intro into "Ship" blends the Allman's country and psychedelia. The Jack Daniels flavored "Write Me A Few Lines" slithers and grooves like a rattlesnake around a pauper's graveyard. The All-Stars take Pop Staple's "Freedom Highway" and turn it into a hypnotic swamp rock mantra.

    Dickinson's cigarette parched vocals may be off the beaten path and don't always parallel well to the music. But it's overlooked with the tight grooves set down by his brother Cody and bassist Chew. Dedicating the show to blues patriarch R.L. Burnside, "Po Black Maddie" from their debut album brings the Ole Dixie Lady to the North. Cody Dickinson's electric washboard solo on "Psychedelic Sex Machine" has got to be the unique point of the evening. The camera shots indicate people getting into it as he comps the board to create a plethora of sounds that play with braincells of midnight tokers.

    The dvd also contains bonus features in the form of interviews with all three members discussing their musical upbringing. A trailer is featured for another All-Stars dvd that will be a documentary.

    If the All-Stars are making youngsters research the Fat Possum catalog that was their inspiration in the first place, then the memories of its forebears are not lost for the ages.

    Buy this DVD NOW:

    Buy this CD NOW:

    Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below)
    to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.

    Shop at Amazon.com

    "This review is copyright © by the writer and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without permission."
    Copyright reuse notice: If you would like to reprint or use this review please include the above copyright notice, contained within the quotation marks, PLUS this statement: "Used with permission." Then send an email to Ray at: mnblues@aol.com indicating how you are using the review or the website page address it will be appearing on. Thanks!


    music bar

    Click on this banner to get you new low percent credit card:
    Amazon.com Platinum Visa Card



    THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! You can help support this blues website by making a contribution (click on the banner below for details). Or mail a donation to: Ray Stiles % Blues On Stage, PO Box 582983, Mpls, MN 55458. Thanks!
    Amazon Honor System Click Here to Pay Learn More


    Web Hosting & Design Logo Web Hosting & Design: CLICK HERE for Web Design SPECIAL, get your own website for just $75. The most affordable web hosting and design services available. Click Here to find out how you can host your current site at Blues On Stage, or how I can help you design your own website!

    Web Hosting & Design Logo If you would like your CD reviewed, please send TWO (2) copies of your CD to:

    Blues On Stage
    PO Box 582983
    Minneapolis, MN 55458-2983

    E-mail Ray Stiles with any questions.

    music bar

    E-mail gif Ray Stiles at: mnblues@aol.com

    Table of Contents:
    [Home Page] [Calendar] [Advertise Your Site] [Submit CD] [Store]
    [TC Blues Musicians] [TC Blues Clubs] [TC Blues Jams] [Blues Links]
    [New Reviews] [Live Reviews] [Interviews-Features] [CD Reviews]
    [Blues Profiles] [Site Awards] [Jukebox] [Photo Gallery] [Memorial] [Spotlight Archives]
    [Website Design & Hosting] [Featured Websites & Members]

    blues ring logo Previous | Next | List | Random
    This Blues Ring site is managed by mnblues@aol.com
    We build websites
    Find out how

    Copyright © 1995 - by Ray M. Stiles & Blues On Stage
    All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author. Blues On Stage is a ® Trademark of Ray Stiles.