Hard-edged grassroots trio North Mississippi Allstars rock out Magic Bag

By Chris Kula

Daily Arts Writer

The North Mississippi Allstars are children of rock 'n' roll - literally. Guitarist Luther and drummer Cody Dickinson are the sons of Jim Dickinson, the acclaimed Memphis producer who built a career recording and performing with such groups as the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Aretha Franklin.

Years of growing up in recording studios was like rock 'n' roll grade school for the Dickinson boys, as they received firsthand exposure to the ins and outs of making old-fashioned rock music.

Fast forward 10 years and the Dickinsons have put their musical education to good use, teaming up with gospel-trained bassist Chris Chew to form the Allstars, a hard-edged roots-rock trio that is slowly building a national reputation as clever innovators of the Delta blues tradition.

Before the Allstars roll into the Magic Bag tomorrow night for their first headlining gig in Detroit, take a glance below and get acquainted with the band's grassroots success story that's been two generations in the making.

n The NMAS played two Detroit shows in April of 2000, opening first for Gov't Mule at St. Andrew's Hall and later supporting Galactic at the Magic Bag.

n In addition to articles in various publications including Rolling Stone, Billboard, the New York Times and the Washington Post, the band was featured in a Time Magazine spread about life on the Mississippi.

n The band's debut album, Shake Hands with Shorty, features seven reworkings of classic blues standards by Delta natives Fred McDowell and R.L. Burnside.

n While remastering Shorty at London's famed Abbey Road Studios, the band played a special concert at which members of Oasis were in attendance.

n The NMAS have shared the stage with such varied acts as Widespread Panic, the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Medeski Martin and Wood and even Ice-T. Yes, the cop killa.

n The band has appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, National Public Radio's Morning Edition and CMT's coverage of Farm Aid 2000.

n Don't be surprised to hear touches of Duane Allman when Luther Dickinson pulls out the slide on the group's Southern rock epic, "Shake 'Em on Down."

Courtesy of Gritz Ltd.

The North Mississippi Allstars love them some D-town.