The Black Crowes Return from Hiatus

Chris Robinson with The Black Crowes at Hangout Music Festival

Southern rockers The Black Crowes ended their two and a half year hiatus this spring with an extensive tour including a prime time slot Saturday night at The Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  This performance marked their return to The Hangout after their appearance at the first Hangout in 2010.  Their hiatus proved not to hinder the quality of their live shows.  In fact, it was quite the opposite.  They played with as much power and charisma as they ever have.  Vocalist Chris Robinson’s easily identifiable voice echoed over the beautifully sunny beach full of chanting swimsuit-clad fans.  

The Roots Bring it Back to The Hangout Festival

Tariq Trotter with The Roots

The Roots put on one of the best live shows in music today, and that is exactly what they did Saturday afternoon at the Hangout Festival 2013.  Combining spot on hip-hop lyrics with instrumental mastery, the Philadelphia based septet played the grooviest show of the weekend.  The notorious Questlove pounded the funky beat, laying down the groundwork for the rest of the band.  Damon “Tuba Gooding Jr.” Bryson lead the band with the low notes on his sousaphone.  Meanwhile, Captain Kirk Douglas slayed the guitar and emcee Black Thought laid down his insightful words, capturing heartfelt emotion and storytelling with a gangster overtone.  The Roots convey all different sorts of musical influence, from jazz to Motown and soul.  Songs from the show included the funky fan favorite, “Next Movement,” and “Proceed,” and a cover of “Jungle Boogie.”  The Roots were once a staple at any good music festival.  Nowadays they don’t get out much, being the house band on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.  Needless to say it was quite a pleasure seeing them back in their element.