Robert Plant (from Led Zeppelin) and The Band of Joy

Tuesday, 03 August 2010 10:34

Robert Plant and the Band of Joy just completed a 12-city tour throughout the south, which included an easily sold-out show at the intimate Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater—a fitting venue for an introduction to some of the music that will be on the band’s soon-to-be released debut album (album drops Sept. 13).

Story and photos by John Davisson

The band’s name is a nod to Robert Plant’s past as it’s the name of the band that he was in prior to Led Zeppelin. Sticking with Robert’s fascination of dated American music, the songs were a melting pot of styles from Appalachian bluegrass to Chicago blues (borrowed from Celtic, Irish, African and southern music). Opener Bettye LaVette was also a nice choice, with re-worked covers of The Beatles and other classic tunes, including a rousing finale of The Who’s “Love, Reign O’er Me.”

The Band of Joy is a top-notch ensemble featuring some great musicians. Buddy Miller, an Americana veteran known for his production, songwriting and psychobilly guitar craft with his wife and a variety of roots artists is a strong yet low-key presence in the band. He was also a major player when Robert and Alison Krause toured a couple of years ago, but the music is denser this time around. Darrell Scott, a renowned Nashville session player and multi-instrumentalist adds wonderful sonic touches to the music on a variety of instruments, including acoustic guitar, mandolin, octave mandolin, banjo, accordion, pedal steel and lap steel guitar. Patty Griffin, a late addition to the Band of Joy, brings some lilting harmonies to the soundscape and adds acoustic guitar and percussion to the mix. Byron House (bass), and Marco Giovino (drums and percussion) round out the lineup.

Robert will never escape his Led Zeppelin pedigree and the first question of many fans will always be whether he did any Zeppelin tunes. The answer is yes, more than a half dozen, but they were re-worked to match his band’s style. Zeppelin’s fiery storm is replaced by weathered restraint and subtle touches. “Over The Hills” and “Tangerine” were not so big a stretch and showed Robert’s past affinity for roots music, while “Gallows Pole” and “Rock and Roll” were considerably changed. The enthusiastic crowd’s response was a reminder that Robert could do a Led Zep reunion tour for a serious cash grab; instead he has decided to avoid the drunk elites and follow his current muse with people who are willing to walk forward while looking back.

The set also featured some of Robert’s previous solo material and some songs from his work with Alison, but their style is still constant rather than tributary. “Tall Cool One” is no longer a new-wave single but rather a root-sy, almost rock-a-billy rave-up. The band also threw in some tasty covers, such as Townes Van Zant’s “Harm’s Swift Way” and Richard and Linda Thompson’s “House of Cards” and Los Lobos’ “Angel Dance.” Robert did not do all the lead vocals either. Buddy Miller sang “Somewhere Trouble Don’t Go,” Patty sang “Move on Up in Glory” and Darrell handled lead vocals on “Satisfied Mind.”

Despite the variety of material chosen, it was clear that this was no derivative act, no superstar vehicle and no quickie knock-off group. The Band of Joy sounded like a true band finding its own identity as a whole from the pieces. At the Ruth Eckerd Hall, they had their own sound and identity already. Although it was obvious there was still some exploring to do. The show was a nice preview, but only increased the anticipation for the upcoming debut album and full tour. I can hardly wait.

Is music in your veins? Read this article on the Dave Mathews Band.

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robert plant and the band of joy performs at the ruth eckerd hall in clearwater fl on july 30 2010

robert plant and the band of joy performs at the ruth eckerd hall in clearwater fl on july 30 2010

robert plant and the band of joy performs at the ruth eckerd hall in clearwater fl on july 30 2010

robert plant and the band of joy performs at the ruth eckerd hall in clearwater fl on july 30 2010

robert plant and the band of joy performs at the ruth eckerd hall in clearwater fl on july 30 2010

robert plant and the band of joy performs at the ruth eckerd hall in clearwater fl on july 30 2010

robert plant and the band of joy performs at the ruth eckerd hall in clearwater fl on july 30 2010

robert plant and the band of joy performs at the ruth eckerd hall in clearwater fl on july 30 2010