The acclaimed band returns to New Orleans for their first shows since the 2013 Jazz Fest.
My brother, Steve Mazza, a long time fan of singer Chris Robinson and all of his musical projects, was at that show along with numerous others over the years. In keeping with the brotherly vibe that the Black Crowes have long been known for, here’s his take on what music lovers can expect over the next two nights:
The latest musical incarnation of the Black Crowes is like a blast back in time to their heyday in the early 1990s. The music they made 25 plus years ago still sounds fresh and full of energy. It seems that the Robinson brothers have put aside any differences and taken on their latest tour with recharged vigor.
The lineup you’ll see at the two shows scheduled at the newly renovated Civic Theater will knock your socks off. But as the band comes to the end of their tour, enjoy it while you can, because another hiatus is planned for 2014 and beyond.
The Crowes work through tasty renditions of some of their classics, and also dig into the songbook for some spectacular covers. If the Jazz Fest show earlier this year at the Mahalia Jackson Theater is any indicator, this band loves NOLA.
I don’t mind hearing “Remedy” and “Jealous Again,” these are pure classics, but listening to front man Chris Robinson evoke Stevie Winwood in the classic Traffic cover, “Medicated Goo,” was a special treat.
The band formed with the two Robinson brothers, the older Chris rocking barefoot on the Oriental rug, his signature voice reeling you in, while Rich rips through the material he’s been playing since high school in Georgia. Joining the brothers are Adam MacDougall on keyboards, Sven Pipien on bass, and veteran Crowes member Steve Gorman on drums. Rounding out the six piece Southern rock group is newcomer Jackie Greene, a California-based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has moved in to replace slide guitar master, Luther Dickinson.
See you there!
