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Originally formed under the moniker Mr. Crowe’s Garden in 1984, the earliest incarnation took influence from local act R.E.M, 1960’s psychedelia, and classic rock. Though the band had undergone many changes over its history, brother Chris and Rich Robinson have remained at the core on The Black Crowes sound. In 1989 following a successful demo the band signed with Def American, who issued The Black Crowes' debut album “Shake Your Money Maker” in 1990. The multi-platinum selling release was recorded with the band’s first lineup of vocalist Chris Robinson, guitarist Rich Robinson, bassist Johnny Colt, guitarist Jeff Cease, and drummer Steve Gorman. Though the album proved relatively popular as a whole, it was their Top 30 cover of the Otis Redding song “Hard to Handle”, followed by the singles “She Talks to Angels”, “Jealous Again” that really catapulted the band to mainstream consciousness. In support of the release the Black Crowes opened for ZZ Top and took part on the Monsters of Rock tour in the Soviet Union alongside Mötley Crüe and Queensrÿche.
The band’s sophomore album “The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion” arrived in 1992 marking the departure of guitarist Jeff Cease and the arrival of Marc Ford. The album topped the Billboard 200 upon release, aided by the singles “Remedy”, “Sting Me”, “Thorn in my Pride”, and “Hotel Illness”. To fill out The Black Crowes' sound they invited the keyboardist Eddie Harsch to join their ranks, and whom made his debut on the album “Amorica” in 1994. The album earned strong reviews from a number of reputable sources including Rolling Stone magazine and was supported by a national tour, including an opening slot for the Grateful Dead in 1995.
In 1996 The Black Crowes released the full-length “Three Snakes and One Charm”, which the band supported with a summer run on the 1997 Further Festival with Ratdog and Bruce Hornsby. Following the release guitarist Marc Ford was sacked from the group, bassist Johnny Colt left of his own accord, and the Crowes lineup dissolved itself. After a small hiatus, a reformed Black Crowes appeared in 1999 consisting of the Robinson brothers, bassist Sven Pipien, and guitarist Audley Freed. The new lineup released the studio album “By Your Side” in January 1999, the same year the band were joined by Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page for a pair of shows in New York and Los Angeles.
The full-length “Lions” followed in 2001 issued by Richard Branson's V2 label. Charting at No. 20 on the Bilboard 200, The Black Crowes toured alongside Oasis and Spacehog before embarking on their own headlining tour. With tensions running high within the group, the Black Crowes took a hiatus in January 2002, which saw Rich Robinson release a solo album entitled “Paper” in 2004. The group returned however in 2005 to play a show at San Francisco’s Fillmore, which found its way onto the live release “Freak ’N’ Roll… Into the Fog” in 2006. The compilation of previously unreleased albums entitled “The Lost Crowes” was issued in 2006, after which guitarist Luther Dickinson join the band’s ranks. The new guitarist directed the group in a more southern rock style, which was apparent on the 2008 album “Warpaint”. In 2009 The Black Crowes released their eighth studio album “Before the Frost/Until the Freeze”, followed by 2010’s “Croweology”, and the 2013 live album “Wiser for the Time”.
There are few bands left today that still exude an air of pure rock and roll, and nobody captures that essence better than The Black Crowes. Over the last three decades I have witnessed the Robinson brothers and company strut their stuff on stage, and every time am left with a satisfied feeling that I just witnessed a real, honest to goodness ROCK and ROLL concert at its highest form (and also with some undoubtedly sore feet from all the dancing!)
Lead singer Chris Robinson is one of the best rock and roll frontmen of all time. His wiry frame provides authenticity when emulating Mick Jagger's patented dance moves, but there is no shortage of originality in Robinson's performance. The Crowes vary their setlist every night, and be prepared to see plenty of improvisation both musically and lyrically. This makes it difficult to sing along a lot of times, but ensures a unique concert experience every single time. With incense burning and scarves dangling, the stage is set for a rock and roll love fest. The soulful backup singers provide the backdrop and the Hammond organ ever present stage-left brings a fullness to the atmosphere both literally and figuratively.
The Black Crowes have a big catalog to draw from, and you will surely hear some of their "hits" like "Hard To Handle" or "Remedy" during one of their shows, but you will also be treated to a couple extended jams, and often a choice cover song; the Rolling Stones' "Torn and Frayed" and The Band's "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" are go-to's for the band. The more danceable moments are complimented excellently by the more tender, quieter moments you will find at their shows. With the lights dimmed and lighters flickering the sultry sounds of harmonica and slide guitar will melt your body into a state of rock and roll bliss; an incredible rock and roll contact high. At these moments I find myself closing my eyes and letting the music move me...What a trip!
These days The Crowes tend to play smaller venues then they did at the height of their popularity in the early 1990's, but maintain a fiercely loyal fan base and are known to frequent some really excellent rock and roll institutions. For example, in New England they almost always make stops at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, the House of Blues in Boston, or the State Theatre in Portland, Maine. These venues add intimacy and ambiance to an already transcendent rock and roll experience. I recall a particularly raucous reunion performance in May 2005 at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom where the entire hardwood dance floor was bouncing up and down from everyone moving and grooving.
The Black Crowes are the living embodiment of rock and roll. To see them live is to become one with that rock and roll spirit and forget all the mundaneness of the "outside" world. It is clear when you see them that they are the torchbearer of the essence of rock and roll, handed directly to them from The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Allman Brothers, and The Band. As nostalgic as that may seem, there is nothing stale about their performance, and young and old alike will be dancing along. Do yourself a big favor and go see The Black Crowes in concert if you have never, and if you have before, go see them again. Let's help keep that rock and roll torch burning strong, and all be warmed by it's awesome glow. Don't forget your lighter!
tommyjon
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