NORWICH – Billboard Magazine calls it a “world-beating blend of southern rock, blues and Florida swamp soul,” while the New York Times describes it as “a balance of wildness and cool.” According to Eric Larsen of the Chenango Blues Association, its the strongest performer the group has ever brought to its Free Summer Concert Series.

From 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday in West Park, music lovers across the county will have an opportunity to make up their own mind, as J.J. Grey & Mofro take to the stage for a set of down-home, foot-stomping soul, funk and blues.

Featuring Grey on vocals, guitar, harmonica and electric piano, the band consists of an all-star cast of musicians, including guitarist Andrew Trube, Art Edmaiston on tenor and baritone saxophone, Dennis Marion on trumpet, drummer Anthony Cole, Anthony Farrell on Hammond organ and piano and Todd Smallie – of Derek Trucks Band fame – on bass guitar. It’s a line-up that’s sure to please even the toughest music critic, said Larsen. Even better, he added, it’s free.

“We were really excited to be able to get him and it wasn’t easy,” stated Larsen. “This is not the kind of artist you would typically see at this kind of venue.”