Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield, MA JUNE 26, 2012
by Eric Sutter
Performing songs from their current CD, Sarah Lee Guthrie and husband Johnny Irion hit the Colonial stage, in yet another wonderful Berkshire music concert. They strummed acoustic guitars, accompanied by Charlie Rose’s stand-up bass to supply sufficient back up, to their beautiful voices that sounded as one at times. “Speed Of Light” and “Seven Sisters,” aided by Irion’s harmonica added folk and country elements to the sound. “Hurricane Window,” written after Katrina, featured especially fancy guitar. The title cut, “Bright Examples” told a tale of an Appalachian trail hiker, which combined a bright melody and vibrant harmony singing. The song had a pop sheen that hit.
Groups like Furthur and Dark Star Orchestra have strived to keep Jerry Garcia’s vision alive. In 2011, Chris Robinson Brotherhood began a similar quest and now comes their debut CD, “Big Moon Ritual.” It is a new cosmic California sound with roots from the jam band grooves of the Grateful Dead. Robinson rocked tomorrow’s blues with a 5-piece rock n roll band which featured Adam MacDougall on keyboards and Neal Casal on lead electric guitar. Robinson handled rhythm guitar, and all sang in four part harmony.
Not the same show, but from 2012: Chris Robinson Brotherhood performing live at The Varsity Theatre in Minneapolis on June 15th, 2012.
In their mellow, melodically driven loose style the group performed “Star Or Stone” and “Tulsa Yesterday” from the CD. The Grateful Dead’s “Brown Eyed Woman” was perfect company here. Robinson, et al, interpreted “Blue Suede Shoes” in their different but cool style with keyboard flourishes and the familiar “Go Cat Go!” vocal chant. Casal’s slide guitar glided through “Never Been To Spain” and “Rosalee.” “Girl On The Mountain” featured a deep blues that mesmerized. Casal’s earthy guitar style channelled Garcia in many shades of blue.
Dylan’s “Tough Mama” sounded right on with guitar and keyboards interplay challenged to the maximum. The organic “Vibration and Light Suite” received the Grateful Dead treatment with a relaxed but rollicking guitar solo. “Sunday Sound” was a great closer with Robinson’s vocal, “Like water underground, we will find our way.” MacDougall’s syncronized keyboard solo sounded like water swelling up and building momentum as it flowed.
SET 1:
Try Rock and Roll
(Bobby Mitchell cover)
Little Lizzie Mae
Goodbye Wheeling
(Mel Tillis cover)
Jump the Turnstiles
Tulsa Yesterday
Brown-Eyed Women
(Grateful Dead cover)
Star or Stone
Blue Suede Shoes
(Carl Perkins cover)
Set 2:
One Hundred Days of Rain
Never Been to Spain
(Hoyt Axton cover)
Rosalee
Girl on the Mountain
(Chris Robinson & The New Earth Mud cover)
Tough Mama
(Bob Dylan cover)
Vibration & Light Suite
The Last Place That Love Lives
(The Black Crowes cover)
Sunday Sound
(Chris Robinson & The New Earth Mud cover)
Encore:
Older Guys
(The Flying Burrito Brothers cover)
