Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion
Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield, MA
by Eric Sutter
Performing songs from their current CD, Sarah Lee Guthrie
and husband Johnny Irion hit the Colonial stage, in yet another wonderful
Berkshire music concert. They strummed acoustic guitars, accompanied by Charlie
Rose's stand-up bass to supply sufficient back up, to their beautiful voices
that sounded as one at times. "Speed Of Light" and "Seven
Sisters," aided by Irion's harmonica added folk and country elements to
the sound. "Hurricane Window," written after Katrina, featured
especially fancy guitar. The title cut, "Bright Examples" told a tale
of an Appalachian trail hiker, which combined a bright melody and vibrant
harmony singing. The song had a pop sheen that hit.
Groups like Furthur and Dark Star Orchestra have strived to
keep Jerry Garcia's vision alive. In 2011, Chris Robinson Brotherhood began a
similar quest and now comes their debut CD, "Big Moon Ritual." It is
a new cosmic California sound with roots from the jam band grooves of the
Grateful Dead. Robinson rocked tomorrow's blues with a 5-piece rock n roll band
which featured Adam MacDougall on keyboards and Neal Casal on lead electric
guitar. Robinson handled rhythm guitar, and all sang in four part harmony. In
their mellow, melodically driven loose style the group performed "Star Or
Stone" and "Tulsa Yesterday" from the CD. The Grateful Dead's
"Brown Eyed Woman" was perfect company here. Robinson, et al,
interpreted "Blue Suede Shoes" in their different but cool style with
keyboard flourishes and the familiar "Go Cat Go!" vocal chant.
Casal's slide guitar glided through "Never Been To Spain" and
"Rosalee." "Girl On The Mountain" featured a deep blues
that mesmerized. Casal's earthy guitar style channelled Garcia in many shades
of blue.
Dylan's "Tough Mama" sounded right on with guitar
and keyboards interplay challenged to the maximum. The organic "Vibration
and Light Suite" received the Grateful Dead treatment with a relaxed but
rollicking guitar solo. "Sunday Sound" was a great closer with
Robinson's vocal, "Like water underground, we will find our way."
MacDougall's syncronized keyboard solo sounded like water swelling up and
building momentum as it flowed. The music bended, accelerated and crescendoed
until it eventually descended. Casal's white hot warm guitar lines were
interwoven between Robinson's vocals and the laid-back mellow groove of the
rhythm section. As for the audience... imagine dancing bears everywhere!
