Twenty fours years into a stellar musical career that has included collaborations with Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, the Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh, and countless others, The Black Crowes continue to wow audiences with their distinctive blend of high energy soul rock n’ roll.

Although the band has continued to put itself in an “on again and off again” status, having announced two separate hiatuses over the last decade, they always come back for more. If there is any existing tension remaining between brothers Chris Robinson (vocals), and Rich Robinson (guitar), it was not at all evident at this show. The group appeared tight, loose and in great form throughout the two hour and 15 minute set.

Touring for the first time since 2011, the Crowes current lineup consists of three original members- both Robinson brothers, Steve Gorman (drums), longtime bassist Sven Pipien and newcomers Adam MacDougal (keyboards) and Jackie Green (guitar). Greene takes over for Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi All Stars who was unable to join the band on this tour.

After nine studio albums, the Crowes have a wealth of material to pull out at each show. The band opened with the rousing “Twice As Hard” and “Sting Me.” Once the juices were flowing, the interplay among the band was at full throttle. The classic “Wiser Time” stood out as the band took this one on a dynamic instrumental jam which saw each band member take a lead solo.

As a drummer, I always pay a little extra attention to the rhythm section. Gorman is known for his powerful pocketed grooves and back beat, which bring out his inner John Bonham and swing influences. He expertly lead the band in and out of each section with ease; turning up the intensity when needed, and providing the subtle feel when necessary.

After a two song acoustic set that began with “She Talks to Angels,” it was Chris Robinson’s turn to showcase his renowned vocal chops and roots harmonica playing with the Arabian influenced, “Whoah Mule.” Robinson retains the presence that front men of lore used to have, standing alone at the mic and the leader who is hell bent on having a good time.

The band finished off with rousing finale’s of “Thorn in my Pride, a very extended “Soul Singing,” and “Remedy. The dueling guitars of Robinson and Greene during the long solo sections made for prime listening.

Smiles were abound as the band came back out for an encore with “Hard to Handle.” Originally an Otis Redding song, the Crowes covered this on their 1990 album “Shake Your Money Maker,” which catapulted them onto the national scene. The band included Deep Purple’s “Hush” in the middle of the jam section and swiftly returned back into the song for one more chorus.

With a a great collections of songs and jams, there was never a dull moment throughout the night. If the Black Crowes are coming to your city on their current tour, it is definitely recommended to check them out.

The Black Crowes
May 1st, 2013
House of Blues
Orlando, FL

Set list

Twice as Hard
Sting Me
Good Morning Captain
Hotel Illness
Medicated Goo
Ballad in Urgency
Wiser Time
She Talks to Angels
Whoa Mule
By Your Side
Thorn in My Pride
Soul Singing
Jealous Again
Sometimes Salvation
Remedy

Encore

Hard to Handle/Hush

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Written by Joe Lederman of The Dropa Stone for Music Binds Us All.

The post The Black Crowes Continue to Bring the Soul to Rock appeared first on Music Binds Us All.

Organized by founder Dave Mann and in close cooperation with the participating bands and ever-growing Jambando community, the festival’s have evolved into Central Florida’s strongest purveyor of live music, arts and culture. Each festival showcases some of the best and most versatile local and regional artists; from jam, funk, reggae and rock bands. Fans have flocked to experience its authentic community atmosphere which feature multiple stages of music combined with local art and food vendors.

This year lineup includes funkUs, The Hindu Cowboys, Savi Fernandez Band, The Dropa Stone, Sonar, Brian Chodorcoff, Ancient Sun, Legacy, Vova Zen and many more. An epic three hour super jam will be taking place so expect many surprise guests.

Jambando at the Plaza Live: Saturday April 27th, 2013: Featuring 18+ Bands on 4 stages of continuous music and lights with visual F/X imagery. Food Trucks, Arts and Crafts vendors & much more! $10 at the gate; All Ages; Re-entry Okay.

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Written by Joe Lederman of The Dropa Stone for Music Binds Us All.

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Any Hendrix fan will dig some of the album’s offerings. The stripped-down ‘Earth Blues’ reflects its title. ‘Let Me Love’ features a saxophonist. A cover of Elmore James’ ‘Bleeding Heart’ comes from Hendrix’s first session with Cox and Miles. And ‘Izabella’ was recorded with the band Hendrix played with at Woodstock.

But ‘People, Hell & Angels’ isn’t revealing like ‘First Rays of the New Rising Sun,’ ‘South Saturn Delta’ and ‘Valleys of Neptune,’ the best posthumous Hendrix albums. Hendrix is basically being Hendrix on the 12 tracks, effortlessly tearing through guitar solos and working up bluesy shuffles that most likely would have been discarded or altered by the time he was finished with them. This is mostly the guitar legend finding his post-Experience footing.

Thanks to NPR, have yourself a first listen of ‘People, Hell and Angels’  Have A Listen

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On January 16th, 2013, Galactic performed at the Plaza Theater in Orlando, FL. This venue has become one of Orlando’s premier spots for live music and its newly redesigned main theater stage is a perfect setting for concerts. It is easy to see why they continue to bring in top notch national touring bands with a great atmosphere and amazing sound. The night was started by ”Art Official,” a Miami based trip-hop band and Orlando natives, “funkUs,” who delivered a spirited performance that saw local guest musicians joining them onstage, showing a strong community bond.

This was to be my 4th time seeing the band perform and each experience has been uniquely different. From the more jam and funk laden festival shows, to guest rappers and classic rock covers, each Galactic concert has proved to showcase the bands willingness to move in different directions musically. Although their epic and lengthy instrumentals receive the biggest ovations by long time fans, the band has been able to include elements of world music, electronic, hip hop and blues in their arsenal.

Made up of long standing members, drummer Stanton Moore, guitarist Jeff Raines, Hammond organist Rich Vogel, bassist Robert Mercurio and saxophonist Ben Ellman, Galactic was joined by guest vocalist Corey Glover, from the popular late 80′s and 90′s Rock band, “Living Colour.” Glover has been the group’s go to vocalist for the past year, performing on much of the 2012 tour into the New Year.

Touring in support of their latest 2012 studio release, ‘Carnivale Electricos,’ the show opened with a vintage and groove oriented Stanton Moore drum solo. Moore was ahead of steam and swiftly transitioned the band into the opening song. His righteous pocket filled grooves are always the backbone of the music; carrying the band in and out of each passage with ease. Ellman’s saxophone and Vogel’s organ jams provide most of the lead solos for the band, while Mercurio and Raine’s bass and guitar riffs provide whatever textures and undertones may be needed.

The first three songs of the set were classic Galactic instrumentals. The band then quickly introduced Corey Glover onto the stage. Known for his high octane vocals, Glover melded perfectly with the band, showing versatility and deep range in his voice. His stage presence and energy was a hit with the crowd, especially during covers of The Beatles “I am the Walrus,” Living Colour’s own hit, “Cult of Personality” and the encore of the set, the Rolling Stone’s “Sympathy for the Devil.”

Once again Galactic delivered a high energy, dance till you drop live show punctuated by high energy, virtuoso playing and guest vocalist Corey Glover delivering a passionate performance. If you have not been able to catch this band live, they are a must-see for not only fans of funk and jam bands, but for all music lovers.  Music Binds Us All.

For a complete listing of Galactic’s tour schedule, check out: www.GalacticFunk.com.

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Written by Joe Lederman of The Dropa Stone
*Please note, this article will be updated with a full set list as soon as it becomes available.*

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