31 years ago, a band from Atlanta, Georgia released their debut album Shake Your Money Maker . Critics and fans lauded the band for their musicianship and their killer sound. The best way to describe them is if Humble Pie and The Rolling Stones had a baby. That band is The Black Crowes. The Black Crowes original lineup are brothers Chris (vocals) Rich Robinson (guitar) Sven Pipen (Bass ) and Steve Gorman (Drums) respectfuly. The current lineup is Chris and Rich, Sven, and the two new current members are Isaiah Mitchell (guitar) and Brian Griffin (Drums). Regardless of the lineup, The Black Crowes tore it up last night at the Borgata Casino and Spa in Atlantic City and I was fortunate enough to be in attendance. The band is continuing to celebrate the release of their groundbreaking debut album Shake Your Money Maker with the album being played in its entirety along with the hits. Before the lights came up, the backdrop on stage was an old saloon with a glowing jukebox center stage. One of the backup singers dropped a quarter into the record machine and out blasted the blues classic "Shake Your Money Maker" by Elmore James which is where the band got the inspiration for the album title. After that, it was full throttle . The band tore through all the hits including the stomping slide guitar epic "Twice as Hard"The Rolling Stones infused "Jealous Again" and "Struttin Blues". The highlight of the night for most people was of course "She Talks to Angels" which features some of my favorite alternative tuning guitar playing . That being said, it needs to be addressed that Rich Robinson is criminally underrated as a guitarist . He may not speak as much or be as animated as his brother, but he sure makes up for it with his chops. Just when you think open tunings have been conquered by players like Keith Richards and Duane Allman, Rich found/finds a new way to create his own sound and leave his own musical mark. To hear "Jealous Again', "She Talks to Angels" "Sting Me" and "Remedy" live was a treat because I got to see first hand how they're really played thanks to the master that is Rich Robinson. Isaiah Mitchell is no slouch either as he provided some great slide guitar along with a killer solo on "Thorn In My Pride" which is one of my all time favorite Crowes songs. Say what you want about Chris Robinson, but his vocal range and delivery are cosmic and outstanding. He has a great stage presence, knows how to interact with the crowd and can still belt out the hits in their original key. To top all that, he is a killer harmonica player which he showcased on a instrumental breakdown during "Thorn In My Pride". The band came back out for one encore. The Black Crowes you can argue are up there among the greatest American rock n roll bands if not the best. Next time you're in town, get yourself tickets and shake your money maker.
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