The Black Crowes – The Myth – Maplewood, MN – November 9, 2013

The Myth in Maplewood, Minnesota could have been easily mistaken for any club or music festival in the 1960s or 1970s on November 9, 2013.

This is all funny in its own way, however, as The Black Crowes are not a band from the 1960s and 1970s.  They simply emit that groove, which was an inadvertent intent on their part when they began in the 1990s.  Originally, they wanted to build a band on the resonance of the day, much like Gun’s N Roses and more.  Instead, they became popular with numerous generations based on their Zeppelin style sound.  Taking advantage of that, they became very popular and garnered numerous fans.

The show begins with the Traffic cover of “Feelin’ Alright”.  The club develops a relaxed, bluesy style feel with incense being burned on the stage and purple and blue lighting.  Had one closed their eyes, they could have very easily been transported back decades.  The show continues for over two hours in a groove filled with numerous covers from artists such as Otis Redding and more, as well as hits from the band.  A number of songs are jam style versions, lasting minutes longer than usual, which works well in such a setting.

Minnesota is having a typical November, so they are more than happy to relax with The Black Crowes for two hours in a warm, laid back concert, in which they can kick back with a drink and gather with friends for a really great show.  The band hasn’t been on tour in two years, so many people are eager to see them again, whereas, a number of fans have never had the chance to see them at all.  In either case, having a show that is over two hours long is enough to make any fan happy.

Chris Robinson remains as impressive as he has always been, holding his own as an excellent frontman.  It is interesting to note that Jackie Greene replaced Luther Dickenson as the new guitarist in the band.  He isn’t as bluesy as Luther Dickenson, which shows in some songs, however, he manages to play very well with Rich Robinson and contributes his talents to the mandolin when “She Talks to Angels” is played.

Rich Robinson sings on the last song of the evening, a cover of Velvet Underground’s, “Oh! Sweet Nuthin’”, which is clearly an ode to the recently deceased Lou Reed.  Having Rich step up as the singer makes everyone realize that they most likely will split into solo projects again.  The fans of The Black Crowes seem very dedicated to both the band itself, as well as solo projects, so they will always go away happy.