Since the release of High On The Hog and Jericho within the last 4 years, The Band has carved a new and independent identity from the group that gave us Music From Big Pink and headlined at Woodstock in 1969. Robbie Robertson left to pursue a solo career and Richard Manuel passed away in 1983. Now, Jim Wieder, Randy Ciarlante, and Richard Bell, have combined with original members Garth Hudson, Rick Danko, and Levon Helm, to form the current group that played an impressive show at Carnegie Hall on March 20th. The roots of The Band could still clearly be heard, along with their new partners providing a strong musical compliment. What was heard was one powerful rock n roll / blues band.

The moment The Band took the stage, they were embraced by their audience who were treated to a 6 song acoustic set with Helm up front strumming his mandolin. They opened with One More Shot, Don’t Ya Tell Henry, Crazy Mama, and Twilight. Originally released as a reggae love cry, Twilight took on a different feel in its acoustic form. Levon then sang Springsteen’s Atlantic City, in many ways better than the original. As they prepared to close out the set, out came legendary horn man Howard Johnson to provide some funky tuba for Rag Mama Rag.

After a brief break, The Band came back to play a 13 song electrical set that contained both new and old material, all sounding fresh and energized, including W.S. Wallcotts Medicine Show, a traditional opener, followed by Stuff You Gotta Watch, and Danko’s classic Stagefight. They also played Don’t Do It, Up On Cripple Creek, The Weight, Shape I’m In, a keyboard melody of Nickelodeon played by Garth Hudson, and Chest Fever. Last minute replacement band for the ailing Dave Mason, The Bacon Brothers (yes, Kevin Bacon’s band) joined The Band on stage to finish off the night with Willie, and the Hand Jive, which had everyone up and dancing.

The Band will tour this summer, with a free concert scheduled for August 15th in Hartford’s Bushnell Park. It’s well worth seeing this classic band performing their unique blend and style of music. Seeing them once might not be enough. In my opinion, they are one of the best bands playing today.

Review by Patrick Haddon

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