Freak 'N' Roll... Into the Fog

Personnel: Marc Ford , Rich Robinson (vocals, guitar); Chris Robinson (vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica); Sven Pipien (vocals); Joshi Marshall (alto saxophone); Dave Ellis (tenor saxophone); Gavin DiStasi (trumpet); Marty Wehner (trombone); Ed Hawrysch (keyboards); Steve Gorman (drums, percussion); Charity White, Monalisa Young (background vocals).
Liner Note Author: Dennis Cook .
Issued around the same time as the two-disc Black Crowes rarities set, LOST CROWES, this 2006 release presents the revered rock ensemble in concert during a five-night stint on their '05 reunion tour at San Francisco's Fillmore Auditorium. Clearly energized after their three-year hiatus, the Crowes offer up a vibrant set that mixes their biggest hits (the melancholy "She Talks to Angels," the down-and-dirty "Hard to Handle") with lesser-known latter-day material (the funky "Let Me Share the Ride," the neo-psychedelic "Soul Singing"). As always, vocalist Chris Robinson leads the band with his own toasted swagger while his brother, Rich, lays down fierce, Stones-inspired guitar riffs that are perfectly complemented by Eddie Harsch's groove-laden keyboard lines. Highlights of the double-disc live set include a raucous take on "Remedy" and a Southern-fried version of the Band's "The Night They Drove Ol' Dixie Down." (Note: FREAK 'N' ROLL is also available on DVD.)