Guitarists JD Simo and Luther Dickinson, drummer Adam Abrash, and vocalist Datrian Johnson played what will likely prove to be (for me) one of the musical highlights of 2026 at the Tractor Tavern in Ballard this week. Simo and Dickinson are touring in support of their first collaboration, ‘Do the Rump’ (released in late 2024), with a second long player soon to be completed. The band played songs from their first album, an intriguing selection of covers (including songs from Mississippi Hill Country blues titans Junior Kimbrough and RL Burnside, John Lee Hooker, Bobby Charles, and more) and a handful of tunes from Dickinson’s recent ‘Dead Blues Vol. 1’ LP.
Althought Tuesday’s show at the Tractor was the first time Simo and Dickinson have played Seattle together, they are both well known to Northwest blues aficionados. Dickinson and his brother Cody have played under the ‘North Missassippi All Stars’ banner for 25 years, with Seattle being a frequent stop on tour itineraries. Dickinson has also done stints with the Black Crowes, John Hiatt, and in (now deceased Grateful Dead bass player) Phil Lesh’s band. It was while playing with Lesh that Dickinson first encountered JD Simo, a fortuitous meeting that eventually led to their current pairing. Simo also has a lengthy and impressive list of credits and accomplishments, playing under his own name and working with the likes of Jack White, Joe Bonamassa, Samantha Fish, Beyonce, Chris Issak, and many more.
Tuesday night’s set started on an emphatic note with a blistering version of ‘Do the Rump Louise’, one of the standout tracks from their aforementioned album. Both Simo and Dickinson are truly formidable musicians, with chops that match their impressive resumes. While their technical aptitude is beyond question, the two musicians never resort to running flashy scales or indulging in ego burnishing one upmanship. They both manage to maintain their unique instrumental voices while always playing in service to the song. As jaw dropping as the guitar playing was Tuesday, it was the next level drumming of Adam Abrash that held the whole thing together. Playing an almost comically simple trap drum kit, Abrash played with a fluidity and deep in the pocket swing that had to be experienced in the flesh to be appreciated. It was readily apparent from the first note that these three men enjoy making music together. One got the feeling that they were playing as much for each other as they were for the delighted audience.
Of special note at the Tractor was the unadvertised appearance of vocalist Datrian Johnson. The soulful singer joined the band for a handful of blues covers associated with the early years of the Grateful Dead. ‘One Kind Favor’, ‘Who Do You Love’, and ‘King Bee’ all paid a spiritual debt to the Dead’s first keyboard player (and their most authentic and authoritative connection to the blues), Ron ‘Pigpen’ McKernan. Johnson’s appearance, and the inclusion of the Dead adjacent material to an already memorable set of music, was the perfect accompaniment to a night of red hot blues that I will not soon forget.
