It may be that being locked up during COVID created a gigantic pent-up demand for live music in my bones, but I must say The Black Crowes performance at Jones Beach on Friday, September 17, 2021 was absolutely magnificent… and just what the doctor ordered to cure my ills.

The Robinson brothers (Chris and Rich) brought an A-game rock and roll show that often made me think of Mick and Keith in their later prime (see “Tattoo You”).  Chris Robinson donned a white suit and Crowes tattooed umbrella well-suited for a New Orleans funeral procession (or wedding for that matter) as he made a showman’s entry early and set a firm path for this “man on a mission” to show us all how much the Black Crowes rock and roll. After Chris got his juices flowing, there were several times he not only reminded me of Mick Jagger, but also a white Otis Redding. What a great combination! Kudos mon. 

The dude still gots it… at least he did that night.

Complete with a driving bass, booming back-up lady singers, and a powerful Hammond church organ… the Black Crowes evoked the same bluesy, gritty feel that the Stones owned (without copying them) and the authenticity sought by so many musicians.  

An often-looked element, the band’s set design lent a strong hand to creating the perfect vibe… bright orange garage-worthy amplifiers and a full gentleman’s bar complete with tuxedoed bartender shaking up Manhattan’s!  Very Neil Young (see “Rust Never Sleeps” and “Greendale” set designs).

The view from our seats.

On this tour the Crowes played their first album “Shake Your Money Maker” in entirety and in order. Although I was never a big fan of their once upon a time overplayed version of “Hard to Handle”, the version Chris and Rich laid on us tonight had a hard edge that paid homage to the song’s blues roots.  The band’s new reinterpretation of the 11 songs that make up this classic album displayed the true genius of Rich Robinson when paired with his brother. This is a classic case of perfect harmony, or 1+1=3.

The Jones Beach show kicked into high gear for me (and them I believe) when they dialed up “Seeing Things” (track #5) like they were performing in a southern harmony gospel church. Uplifting and inspirational… Revered Chris for sure brought a spiritual celebration to the shores of Long Island’s Great South Bay. Like Dominic Torreto in Fast + Furious, the band knew just when to press full throttle on the gas to achieve maximum results. Raw power and big soul.  

So you get the point… ;  )

The high octane gospel show returned much to my delight in full force during “Thorn in My Pride” after the band finished playing their debut release and dug in on their later classic songs from “Amorica” and “The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion”.

SIDENOTE: It is very hard to pick my favorite Crowes album between these two… so I won’t. They will share that title as co-winners. Thanks Rocco for putting that notion in my head and help me be at ease with the indecision.