RATINGS: A = must own B = buy it C= average D = yawn F = puke
Chris Robinson Brotherhood – Big Moon Ritual
Red General
www.chrisrobinsonbrotherhood.com
Rating: B
What began as an experiment has turned into a full fledged band consisting of Chris Robinson (lead vocals, guitar), Neal Casal (guitar, vocals), Adam MacDougall (keys, vocals), George Sluppick (drums) and Mark Dutton (bass, vocals). The former leader of The Black Crowes reconnected with his inner hippie and played over one hundred shows, taking time to record a few tunes along the way.
The opening epic tune, “Tulsa Yesterday” sets the tone for the album. The music is relaxing, has a groove, has tasty instrumental passages and feels good from beginning to end. It is as if Robinson channeled Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead, shared a few doobs with him and then said, “Let’s jam.”
The best songs on the CD are “Reflections on a Broken Mirror” and “One Hundred Days of Rain” but fear not, there are no weak moments here at all. Robinson and his band of brothers will continue to be a welcome addition to the Jam Band movement that continues to pick up momentum, year after year.
Don’t expect this one to rock like the Crowes, as you will be disappointed. But, if you’re open-minded and love the eclectic singer then you will smile as you see that he is going where he probably has always wanted to go, musically, and he is doing very well…very well indeed.
By Jeb Wright
