The Chris Robinson Brotherhood made their Macon, GA debut to a packed house for 500+ guests at The Cox Capitol Theatre last Thursday, July 21st. Robinson is no stranger to Macon. The Black Crowes performed here in the early 1990’s, and he frequented town while growing up in Atlanta.
The Brotherhood opened with “Let’s Go Let’s Go Let’s Go,” the Rock and Roll Hall of famer Hank Ballard tune, got the crowd into the show right off the bat, singing along dancing and bobbing their heads. Next up was “Leave My Guitar Alone” from the forthcoming July 29th release Anyway you Love, We know How Your Feel. This groove heavy tune had everyone’s attention as they swayed back and forth settling into the show. “Forever as The Moon,” “Tomorrow’s Blues” and “I Want To (Do Everything For You)” showcased the great guitar work of Neal Casal and harmonies between Robinson, Casal and keyboardist Adam MacDougall. Before finishing up with “Hard to Handle,” the Otis Redding track that helped put The Black Crowes on the map, they played “Meanwhile in The Gods” and “California Hymn”. “Hard to Handle” is a special song for the region. Robinson played tribute to the town’s music history and founding artists. The band played the Redding B-side in an alternate arrangement to The Black Crowes. It also marked the first appearance of the evening by Duane Allman’s 57 Les Paul Gold top, played by Casal.
The second set opened with “New Cannonball Rag,” with stirring vocals and a great solo by Casal. “Wheel Don’t Roll” from The Magic Door release came next. The harmonic vocals and warm melody kept everyone dancing and embracing each other. “Train Robbers” and “Ain’t it Hard But True” had McDougall dancing across his keyboard rig bringing the crowd to a triumphant roar before breaking into Dylan’s “Tough Mama”. Neal’s hands were effortlessly going up and down the neck of Duane’s Gold Top once again, as if the spirits had taken over. The cover tune had everyone dancing and singing. This was the highlight of the second set. “I Ain’t Hiding”, “Shore Power” and “Narcissus Soaking Wet” rounded out the set, bringing the show to an end with the encore of “Sunday Sound” a seductive trance and bliss of a spectacular show.
The Cox Capitol has added some new lighting in recent months, and tonight was the first appearance of a vintage chandelier above the band. The lights flickering off the crystal only helps to showcasing the beauty of this historic venue. The theatre went through renovations in 2015 and has seen quite a number of great artists come through the doors to perform in the last 12 months. The proprietors made a clear decision to bring a higher caliber of artists to play the room. The staff is great; ticket prices, reasonable and looks to continue as major improvements are made to the downtown district. It’s a music city and now the musicians are coming back.