First off...this is the first review I have ever felt compelled to enter on archive (been listening forever). I've been streaming a few MOFRO shows once or twice a week now trying to get a good feel for this band. Been listening from early 2000s up to this show. This is the first one that has BLOWN me away...I have hit replay on this sumbitch since I got to work this morning...that's a running total of 8 full times around! And damn...if it don't cut off right before they blow the doors off the club. If y'all can manage to get this show in the hands of the masses....and if JJ can keep the horns on tour with him...shit....look out (yes I know, he just had a great write up on Jambase). Let's leave it at this....I just got hooked up with tickets for the Variety Playhouse show here in Atlanta...and I'm about to hit replay again!

You are so right--this was the best of the 4 night run. I saw all of them, and although the Skipper's shows were good, this show absolutely kicked ass.

I've got several pics of this show posted here: http://www.mofrofans.com/thesocialfeb08.html

It was George's last show--of course we didn't know that then--so maybe they were kicking it a little extra hard. Whatever it was, ya'll need to download this show! THANKS JOHN DUDE!

Winter Run 2008 - "If you remember it, you weren't there!"

Even by normal "Florida Pride" standards, this is an exceptional show. The last show of the winter '08 Florida run, this one is an utter & complete throwdown. "Friends & family night" at the social - the crowd is as rowdy (& ready) as I've ever heard, and the band and particularly JJ is in RARE form. With lots of great (and often hilarious) banter mixed with jaw dropping musicianship, this show RAGES, full on. Not one to normally go overboard with the arrows in mofro setlists, I had to include a few here 'cause there are some turn on the dime segues. One punch after another, they were not letting you up for air. Also of note, listen up for Scone playing some clav'ed out electric piano in Ho Cake and a sweet piano solo in Stack A Lee. Not sure when he started, but this run is the first time I've noticed him playing piano (in addition to the B-3), and I LOVE it. The only flaw is the cut at the end of Six Ways, but from what I've heard we were lucky to get John Dude out of there alive & out of jail, much less with 99% of the show recorded! Normally I would've just left the song off, but JJ's rant before the countdown is must-hear. I faded the cut to make it as easy on the ears as possible.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did putting it together. Thanks to John Dude for the superb recording. I was blown away at Skippers the night before, but I truly regret missing this one.

I'll let ya'll give it a rating, but you know how I feel.

Enjoy!
~Scott D