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Luther Dickinson, one half of the 5-time Grammy-nominated North Mississippi All Stars and former Black Crowes lead guitarist has extensive production and session credits for artists like John Hiatt, Cedric Burnside, and William Bell. JD Simo, the leader of his own solo project, boasts session and production credits for Jack White, Beyoncé, Chris Isaak, Stevie Nicks, Phil Lesh, and Baz Luhrmann's Elvis movie.
United by shared loves and a strong friendship, Luther and JD found themselves collaborating in the winter of 2022. The creative alchemy unfolded in JD's House Of Grease studio in Nashville, TN, where they were joined by JD's longtime partner, Adam Abrashoff. Together, they delved into a rich musical tapestry of old spirituals and hill country blues, infused with Afrobeat rhythms and psychedelic abandon. – melodies that float on the edge of danger in a beautiful and mystical dance.
Luther expresses the profound connection, stating, "We found our tribe in each other," while JD adds, "It's like turning on a faucet. It's so easy for us because we have the same sensibilities and influences, but we play nothing alike somehow. It's so beautiful and special."
What sets this collaboration apart is the dynamic interchange of bass, baritone, and guitar duties between Luther and JD, creating a unique sonic landscape, at once daring and seductive. JD predicts, "It's gonna be a fun show to watch, with these fat grooves and Luther and I switching instruments and such!"
The project will debut with digital singles in the spring of 2024, offering a taste of the magic these two maestros have conjured. A full-length album is set to follow later in the year, promising a musical experience built on love, truth, and GREASE!
Join Luther, JD, and Adam on this extraordinary journey – keep it greasy!
Luther Dickinson
Luther Andrews Dickinson (born January 18, 1973) is the lead guitarist and vocalist for the North Mississippi Allstars and the son of record producer Jim Dickinson. He is also known for being a guitarist for The Black Crowes. He hosts Guitar Xpress on the Video on Demand network Mag Rack.
He was born in West Tennessee to Mary Lindsay and Jim Dickinson, a Memphis record producer. Dickinson grew up playing concerts and gaining recording experience with his father and brother, Cody. The family moved to the hills of North Mississippi in 1985. Dickinson made his recording debut in 1987, playing a metal-influenced guitar solo on "Shooting Dirty Pool" on The Replacements' album Pleased to Meet Me, which his father was producing. Dickinson befriended the musical families of Otha Turner, R. L. Burnside, and Junior Kimbrough. They were the inspiration for Luther and Cody Dickinson to form the North Mississippi Allstars in 1996. The North Mississippi Allstars have been nominated for three Grammy Awards in the Best Contemporary Blues category. Dickinson produced two records on Otha Turner, Everybody Hollerin' Goat and From Senegal To Senatobia.
In November 2007 Dickinson joined The Black Crowes. His recording debut with the band was on Warpaint in 2008,[2] and he has since appeared on the 2009 Black Crowes release Before the Frost...Until the Freeze Dickinson decided not to join The Black Crowes for their 2013 tour.Dickinson currently tours with the North Mississippi Allstars[and as a member of the Southern Soul Assembly.
In 2014, Gibson issued a signature model for him, the Luther Dickinson ES-335, with the most notable modification being the pickups replacing the standard humbuckers.
Jazz critic Ted Gioia chose Blues & Ballads: A Folksinger's Songbook, Volumes 1 & 2 (New West, 2016) for the eleventh spot on his list of the top 100 albums of the year.
His 2019 joint recording with Sisters of the Strawberry Moon, Solstice, was chosen as a 'Favorite Blues Album' by AllMusic.[
JD Simo
As a guitarist, songwriter and producer/engineer, Simo has worked with the likes of Jack White (Beyoncé Lemonade sessions), Phil Lesh, James McCartney, Tommy Emmanuel, David Kahne, Cowboy Jack Clement, Dave Cobb, Paul Worley, George Porter, Anson Funderburgh, Peter Collins, Joe Bonamassa, Chris Isaak, Samantha Fish and Baz Luhrmann on the soundtrack and score of the Elvis biopic.
He is a former member of the Don Kelley Band (2007-2012), a historic house band at Robert’s Western World in Nashville, Tennessee; other alumni include Brent Mason, Troy Lancaster, Redd Volkaert, Johnny Hiland, Guthrie Trapp, Kenny Vaughan, Daniel Donato, Luke McQuery and bassist Dave Roe (Johnny Cash, Dwight Yoakam, John Mellencamp, John Prine), who recommended JD for the guitar slot.
He was a member of the psychedelic rock band SIMO from 2012-2018. He has released four solo albums to date.
In the fall 2020 he became a member and main player in the Guitar Community 2gthr.co founded by Marc de Lorenso
In 2024 it was announced he was part of a new band with Luther Dickinson & Adam Abrashoff. An album Do The Rump was released in the fall.
He resides in Nashville with his wife and daughter.