Nick Moss Band @ Blues City Deli, St. Louis, MO

Words and pictures by Duane Clawson
Last year, I had the privilege of catching the Nick Moss Band as they opened for Gary Clark Jr.  Tonight, at Blues City Deli, the Nick Moss Band proved that whether they were playing for a room of 200 or a room of 2000, they are a band that can get the job done.  Nick Moss has been in hammering out the Blues (I use the term loosely) for quite some time now and does not appear to be stopping anytime soon.  Nick Moss and his band cover a large volume of musical styles during their live shows.  This evening, the Band had a little seasoning for everyone’s taste as they dabbled in various genres including  gospel, traditional Blues, and jam band.  On a night that found the outside temps nearing single digits, Nick Moss gets a head start on warming up the Deli to the delight of those in attendance.


Throughout the night, the Band would be a constant ebb and flow of energy.  While Moss displays the aforementioned ebb and flow on guitar, Michael Ledbetter equally controls the flow through his vocal talents.  At pivotal moments during the show, Ledbetter, a direct descendant of Huddie Ledbetter aka “Leadbelly”, controlled the noise levels in the room to suit the playing style of Moss.   Pausing for a brief intermission, I noted as the band was leaving the stage that the inner walls of the Deli were sweating.  How’s that for warming a room?  In the home stretch of the nights festivities, the Nick Moss Band previewed some newer material from an unnamed, forthcoming album.  The song titled “Shade Tree” is taken from a 1967 quote by comedian/activist, Dick Gregory.  This song is Nick Moss's response to the Ferguson riots of last summer and reminds us that we can all do a better job as human beings.  When this night finishes up, fifteen minutes past the recommended close of business, one senses that no one wants leave.  Most of all, the Nick Moss Band!  Big thanks to Nick Moss and company for having us and the Blues City Deli for bringing another great band to town!  Photos of the show are below:





Contributed by Duane Clawson
Nick Moss Band @ Blues City Deli, St. Louis, MO Nick Moss Band @ Blues City Deli, St. Louis, MO Reviewed by Scott Rowe, Editor on March 05, 2015 Rating: 5
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