Chris Robinson brought his latest project AS THE CROW FLIES to Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas, playing a songfest of classic Black Crows songs, and the Vegas crowd did not disappoint as they packed the venue for this amazing evening. Opening the show from Oakland, CA was the ONCE & FUTURE BAND, an interesting prog-rock quartet who had a 70’s vibe to them, who at times sounded like Frank Zappa and other times pure acid jazz, with long jams and great musicianship.
With the lights low, incense burning, tapestries hanging on the stage.... a barefoot, bell bottomed, long haired Chris Robinson took the stage with one of the best bands I have ever seen, and we were in for a great night with AS THE CROW FLIES. Chris Robinson is the former Black Crowes vocalist, who on this tour finally decided to play some of the old classic songs people have been waiting years to hear.
Robinson has surrounded himself with some amazing musicians on this tour, and the band includes former Black Crowes guitarist Audley Freed, bassist Andy Hess and keyboardist Adam MacDougall. The band also included Robinson and MacDougall’s current Chris Robinson Brotherhood bandmate Tony Leone on drums, along with up-and-coming guitarist Marcus King. The show opened up with the classic Black Crowes song "Remedy" for the packed venue, and Robinson sounded amazing - it is easy to see why he is a big star. Now 51 years old, Robinson danced and moved non-stop across the stage the entire show. After a few more Black Crowes songs the band kicked off into the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young classic "Almost Cut My Hair", another long jam that featured individual members and Robinson’s amazing vocals. As the show wound down the band launched in more Crows classics such as "She Talks To Angels", "Jealous Again", and finished off the show with a couple covers including Otis Redding's (and Crowes remake) "Hard To Handle" and a rousing version of the Joe South song made famous by Deep Purple, "Hush". As The Crow Flies briefly left the stage, only to return and finished off the show with the 70’s rock anthem, "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo". It was great to hear Robinson sing Black Crows songs again, and he showed genuine energy on each and every one, and this was one of the best shows of the year by far at Brooklyn Bowl.
Once & Future Band Photos by Harold Mountain / JustAFanPhotography
AS THE CROW FLIES Photos by Harold Mountain / JustAFanPhotography