FOLIO
Words by Kaili Cochran
JJ Grey and Mofro was formed in 1998 by JJ Grey himself. Mofro’s first album was released in 2001. They went on to create eight more albums. Now, JJ Grey and Mofro has recently released its 10th album — after nine years — and for the first time in the band’s history, it is self-produced by Grey.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Grey started performing beyond North Florida as his career began to grow . Today, Grey and his band continue to play over 75 shows a year across the U.S. and around the world. But through his songwriting, he continues to go back to his roots in Jacksonville.
“He has written passionately and articulately about his love for the untrammeled environment of his North Florida home and continues to advocate for its preservation,” his website reads.
Throughout his career he has performed with vocals, guitars, keyboards and harmonica, making him a multi-talented musician.
“What is Mofro?” Grey said his friends Daryl and Donnie used to call him that as a nickname. Every once in a while when Grey got to work Donnie would acknowledge him by saying “What’s up, Mofro?”
“And he just kept calling me that. So then later on I was like well, you know, it sounds Southern and doesn’t really mean anything … it’s just what some guys nicknamed me,” Grey said.
The “mofro” of this band consists of Eric Brigmond, Marcus Parsley, Dennis Marion, Craig Barnette, Pete Winders, Todd Smallie and Katie Dutton.
Grey and Mofro are going on 27 years and earlier this month returned to the US from touring in Europe.
Band Members
Eric Brigmond – Keys, Trombone, Vocals
Eric joined the band in 2016 but had known JJ for a while prior. Eric lived in North Florida and attended UNF and studied music performance. Before joining Mofro, he was a multi-instrumentalist for Donavon Frankenreiter.
Marcus Parsley – Trumpet
Marcus joined the band in early July of 2015. He is the trumpet player on the album, “Ol’ Glory.” Though a Jacksonville native, Parsley went to New York in 2002 where he launched his career and became known for his jazz and R&B playing.
Dennis Marion – Trumpet
From Jacksonville Beach, Dennis is an accomplished trumpeter and has been with Mofro since 2007. It’s been said that he can play almost anything from classical to jazz on his trumpet.
Craig Barnette – Drums
Craig re-joined the band in 2015. He’s one of the original band members and drummer for Mofro. He also played on the second album, “Lochloosa.” Outside of Mofro, Craig has been teaching drums and percussion for over 20 years in Jacksonville.
Pete Winders – Guitar
Pete joined Mofro in 2018 and currently tours with them. Before this, from 2008-2011, Pete had toured across the U.S. as well as Brazil, Europe, Japan, and Australia with different bands.
Todd Smallie – Bass, Vocals
From Missouri, Todd joined the band in late August 2010 after contributing over 15 years to Derek Trucks Band where he had been its first bassist.
Katie Dutton – Vocals
Although she writes and performs her own songs, she has been one of the vocalists for Mofro since 2023. She is currently on tour with Mofro in Europe in early 2025. Katie is also currently a vocalist at Bold City Classics, Bay Kings Band and Atlantic Alibi.
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