Metropoulos Forum

I just saw the Crowes again and honestly I was a bit disappointed. I've been going to see them since the first tour in the early '90s I think. They have so much material that it would be great to see them like in the old days just go out and play the songs like on the recordings. But, no, they have to turn them into these long "jams" (ala Grateful Dead) and Chris Robinson has to sing the lyrics a bit different and differently, enough that it is almost out of time and quite annoying.

On the + side, Steve Gorman (drummer) is awesome and Mark Ford and Rich Robinson played well and sounded good. Mark was playing Fenders and Gibsons through a Bogner rig and Rich was playing Gibsons, Fenders, and a Zemantis through a Harry Joyce rig.

Without a doubt they peaked IMO when they played with Jimmy Page. I was fortunate to see the first 2 shows before the tour was cancelled and it was so sweet.

Opening act this last time was Robert Randolph and the Family Band. What an awesome band. I've seen them a few times now and am always impressed. Robert can play off the hook and his bass player is just a monster, just incredible to watch and listen.

I just saw them at the Chicago/Northerly Island gig. Rich played a variety of guitars through his Harry Joyces. Marc Ford also played a variety of guitars through two amps presumably simultaneously - a Roccaforte head with 2x12 cab, and Schreyer JTM45-alike with 2x12 cab. Both guitarists got great tones out of their rigs.

I agree completely with your general assessment of their performance. Great musicianship and command of the tunes. However, they probably played only 11 or 12 tunes total. Many degenerated into endless, self-indulgent jams. One tune seemed to be some Marc Ford original tune that he handled lead vocals on. The tune was *way* sub-par for Black Crowes material. Not even good album filler. Repetitive and uninspiring. Seemed to be simply a vehicle for him to play a long, long guitar solo. The one cover they played was pretty cool - Cripple Creek by The Band - but it was unnecessary and conspicuous given the sheer amount of original material they ignored or misfired.

It seemed as though they (or at least Chris and Marc) are trying to transition the band into some kind of jam band in the vein of the Grateful Dead, the Allmans, or Phish. Nothing against those bands, but the Black Crowes are not a pointless jam band; they are (or rather were) a ROCK BAND. Rich looked very unhappy all night, although of course, he always looks rather Eyeorian. All in all I was very disappointed in the show, although the sound itself and the venue were awesome.

At least Robert Randolph and the Family Band and Drive By Truckers kicked some serious ass. [/i]