Naomi Weisman is a Canadian-Australian and mother of three who loves to ramble with her dog, cook for family and friends, and laugh whenever possible.
In 2008, my marriage had ended, leaving me with three young children and feeling like a ship without a sail.
After a couple of years of packing, moving, and settling into my new home, I began to rediscover the joys of life. I rekindled my passion for live music, steering clear of pricey stadium acts and diving into the local club scene instead.
I scoured urban magazines for dive bars and intimate venues, eager to find something new and exciting. I dragged my girlfriends along, went with my sister, and sometimes ventured out solo or with the occasional date.
One gem I stumbled upon in Toronto is the Horseshoe Tavern. Established in the '60s, it has launched many singer-songwriters, alt-rock bands, and gritty acts into the hearts of Toronto music lovers.
One night, I had a second date lined up with a guy I wasn't particularly enthusiastic about—dating wasn't my thing, it turns out. Instead of sitting across from him making awkward small talk, I decided to take a chance on a band I’d never heard of: JJ Grey and Mofro.
JJ Grey hails from North Florida, blending blues with a gritty Southern flair known as Swamp-rock. I had no idea what to expect when he took the stage that night. But within moments, I found myself snapping my fingers and swaying to the intoxicating sound.
JJ’s performance and storytelling captivated me so much that I forgot I was on a date. All that mattered was losing myself in the rhythm of this incredible music I had just discovered.
In the intervening years, I have discovered many other singers and bands that I love, but JJ always brings me back to a pivotal time in my life. My confidence was at an all-time low; I was tired and scared, and I was searching for things to make me feel better. JJ did that for me.
He sings about the love of a good woman, his home in North Florida, and hilarious, naughty experiences. When I was moving to his music, I felt sexy again. I felt that life was more fulsome than I gave it credit for.
Music is always playing in my house. My kids have grown up dancing with me in the kitchen to anything that inspires me to move with joy in my heart. JJ Grey and Mofro are exactly that: deep, resonant vocals, groovy tunes, amazing storytelling, and joy, joy, joy!
I have now seen JJ perform live five times, including three times with my partner of the last nine years, who loves JJ almost as much as I do. Although Brian is not a singer by nature, he can belt out a funky tune just as loudly as I can when we're on one of our many road trips. Like I said, pure joy!
Please enjoy this playlist, and let me know what you think: JJ Grey Playlist
READ MORE > Nomi's Pics, Rambler Cafe Blog
Leave a comment