Biography

THE MYSTIX, Boston’s critically-acclaimed roots band, celebrate the release of their third CD, Down to the Shore.

Led by gritty, soulful vocalist and songwriter Jo Lily, from Boston’s legendary Duke and the Drivers, THE MYSTIX feature the absolute cream of the local music scene, all first-call sidemen and musical foils to some of the country’s most respected artists: Bobby Keyes (guitars) has been a top session player at Muscle Shoals and LA studios, working with the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Mary J. Blige, Li’l Wayne, and Robin Thicke; Marty Richards (drums) has played with Gary Burton, the Blues Brothers Revue, Duke Robillard, and the latest incarnation of the mighty J. Geils Band; Marty Ballou (bass) has toured with John Hammond, Edgar Winter, and – as one half of the unbeatable “Two Martys” rhythm section – with Duke Robillard; Tom West has toured and recorded with Susan Tedeschi, Peter Wolf, and many more…

It’s undeniable that, individually, THE MYSTIX are all “musician’s musicians.” But that’s only part of the story — their shared love of the American roots music tradition, some magical musical chemistry and impeccably tasteful interplay makes THE MYSTIX more than a collection of a great players, it makes them a real “band’s band.”

Their previous CD, Blue Morning, received rave reviews and airplay across the U.S. and Europe, hitting #16 on the American Roots Radio chart. Down to the Shore finds THE MYSTIX digging even deeper into the musical landscape of rural America, inspired by a journey through field recordings, vintage radio shows and vinyls. Four Jo Lily/Bobby Keyes originals fit seamlessly into a collection of country, gospel, and blues-influenced tunes originally covered by the likes of Pops Staples, Porter Wagoner, Roscoe Gordon, George Jones, and Jimmy Strothers. Jo Lily’s time-mellowed, raspy vocals evoke comparison to latter-day Van Morrison and Bob Dylan, and provide the perfect texture to tie it all together.

The Boston Phoenix called THE MYSTIX “a regional roots supergroup.” They certainly deserve the title, and touring to top regional venues has inspired an ever-growing fan base. So far, a fondness for their home turf (and their own beds) has kept the band from traveling too far beyond the Northeast U.S., but if Down to the Shore takes them to some distant shores, it will make a lot of new fans very happy.