CALGARY - At the end of a week that saw more than one performance with only one or two artists surrounded by a small collection of instruments, last night's Black Crowes show at Epcor Centre's Jack Singer Concert Hall was definitely a step up.
Perhaps in quality, definitely in pounds of gear per square inch.
Backed by an arsenal of equipment worthy of any massive stadium, the band began the show bathed in blue light that swept from the stage to the crowd.
Slow, swirling organ put out a layer of psychedelia as the slow burn of new guitarist Luther Dickinson's slide guitar smoldered beneath.
Supported by two backup singers, the six-piece band hit the first chorus with a level of power that left little doubt why this band has become a rock mainstay over 20 years.
When they leapt into their second tune, Daughters of the Revolution, off their brand-new album Warpaint, much of the crowd was no longer merely standing.
They were dancing.
A little gospel, a little funk, plenty of dirty Atlanta-flavoured blues, some '60s-prog moments, the band covered it all, often in the space of one song.
As the third song wound down, singer Chris Robinson, looking much the bearded neo-hippie still, shot a look to his brother, guitarist Rich Robinson, that said, "so far so good, man."
Together, most of the time anyway, as the 'Crowes for 24 years now, the Robinson brothers essentially are the band.
Members have come and gone, though original drummer Steve Gorman is back in the fold. But regardless of the revolving lineup, there is a synergy going on that clearly can't be replaced.
It can be dismantled, however, and the future was definitely uncertain in 2002 when the band effectively dissolved.
Chris released two albums over the next two years and Rich released the spectacularly un-interesting Paper (though the ensuing tour, with Big Sugar guitarist/vocalist Gordie Johnson in the lineup, could very well have been something mighty to see).
It's clear now the creative energy between the two is fully restored, and Warpaint, absolutely brimming with soul, serves as proof.
Reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Charts, the highest they've been (so to speak) since hitting No. 1 with their smash debut, the six-million-selling Shake Your Moneymaker, and its followup, Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, Warpaint shows the Robinsons have clearly reconnected with both themselves as musicians and the audience.
Another important connection has been with their new lead guitarist, Luther Dickinson.
Dickinson is southern rock royalty in his own right, and fits the band perfectly.
The son of a Memphis record producer, he is steeped in the Southern Rock traditions that make up much of the Black Crowes sound, and has seen success in his own right as part of the excellent North Mississippi Allstars.
He sounded great. Big, fat, juicy guitar notes hung in the air, dripping with southern-fried goodness. At times he was positively on fire and if this tour and album put the Black Crowes back where they ought to be, it could be a while before fans see such a huge band in such a comparatively intimate venue.
Before to the Crowes entrance, warming the crowd up was a task handed to Hamilton band the Arkells. The Arkells lay down a brand of soul-infused working man's rock with long segments best described as 'jammy.'
While the Black Crowes might not be the perfect band for the Arkells to share a bill with, that's the luck of the draw sometimes and they did what they could.
