Review: Black Crowes Rock Edgefield

I have to take exception to the over active Crowe-head behind me most of the night. Granted we were in the front row, so a little pushing and shoving is to be expected, but this guy crossed the line. For starters, he “Ka-cawed” at the top of his lungs during every song. Loud, shrill, enthusiastic “KA-CAW KA-CAW”S that went on forever. That alone was forgivable. I’ve been down that road; enthusiasm is enthusiasm, not to be squelched. But the exuberant dance was a problem. Several times, Chris and I were body slammed against the front barricade by this guys gyrations and fist pumping. He spilled beer down my back from my shoulders down to my sandals. He had to be convinced to move along and I am afraid I wasn’t very nice in my choice of words. He eventually moved back and to the side, only to be Eighty-sixed a half hour later for tossing a half filled beer over the front row revelers. It was so loud, however, that the gal three to my right registered her complaint by texting it onto her cell phone so the security guard could understand the problem. Boy, that modern technology comes in hand every now and then, doesn’t it? Anyway, enough griping.

The band opened with Move It On Down from War Paint, a blistering rocker from the new album, so loud that, for the first time in my life, I opted for ear plugs/protection. Apparently, two songs into their set was too late to prevent some minor hearing loss and aggravate the tinnitus I already suffer from. The microwave’s former high pitched beep now sounds like an ice cube hitting the floor across the room. It’s getting better, though. When I got home Friday night, I couldn’t hear it at all. The doctor says it should mostly return, if I stay away from the speakers for a month or so. I guess I’ll have to sit in the back for My Morning Jacket later this month.

The Crowes played six cuts off the new album. I would say all were winners, the most impressive being Walk Believer, Walk with its shared slide guitars leads and heavy metal blues stomp. The musical highlight of the night came on the extended jam of Wiser Time from 1994’s Amorica. It built slowly, featured Chris and Rich sharing vocals and had extended solos from Luther and Rich on guitar as well as Adam MacDougall on keyboards. The way the band blended and built around the song’s central rhythm was ethereal, educing a rush-like feeling midway, bringing the crowd along for the ride. Their pre show ritual of burning sage and nag-champa incense (ten sticks stuck in two apples on either side of the stage) must have appeased their demons because this song alone was worth the price of admission. Seek out the download and put on the headphones, it is like sex for your ears.

They covered their catalog pretty well, but stayed away from the hits. Hard To Handle from their first album was the only ‘single’ that made it to the set list. They pulled out a choice nugget early. The “B” side of the single Remedy, Darling Of The Underground Press fit perfectly between Amorica’s Gone and Southern Harmony’s My Morning Song. The slightly acoustic rendition of the spiritual Ain’t No More Cane On The Brazos was well received and showcased how Luther Dickinson’s crisp leads contrasted with Rich Robinson’s dirtier, grittier blasts. The two guitarists dueled on several songs and, in my opinion, it was a draw: with a slight edge going to Rich for overall feeling.

They finished their set with an extended version of Wounded Bird. It stretched over eight minutes and the crescendo at the end had the entire crowd, all the way back to the merchandise booths, standing, clapping along and cheering loud enough for me to hear the crowd over that annoying speaker right in front of me.

Their too short encore consisted of cover versions from two of The Crowes major influences. Performing Little Feat’s Willin’ and The Band’s Don’t Do It once again focused on the brother’s tight harmonies as well as the Crowes’ natural abilities as great purveyors of the rock and roll gospel.

I saw the “Ka-caw” guy at one of the Edgefield’s many bars later on in the night. His enthusiasm hadn’t waned at all. Even after being forcibly removed from his place on the lawn, “Ka-caw” guy was regaling bar patrons with tales of how he led the cheers for the greatest rock and roll band in America (his words this time). That’s the way this bands fans ‘get it’. You can’t help but be enthusiastic about their energy, their musicianship and their tenacity. Get me a box of incense and an apple. I have got to get my Crowe on again. And I will, as soon as the doctor says I can turn it up again.

• Previously on HT: Representative of the Midwest – Crowes @ Park West