Chris Robinson Brotherhood at Park City Live
Review and Photography by Phil Santala
Full photo album can be found HERE
Fresh of their New Year’s run at Cervantes in Denver, the Chris Robinson Brotherhood breezed into town. The chilly Park City air greeted patrons who stood patiently outside the sold out venue. Park City Live welcomed them all in, with cold beers and whiskey drinks ready for one and all. Utah provides on thing in spades, an appreciative crowd. Drink tabs piled up as cheers erupted from the crowd. Locals and ski vacationers alike were clearly ready to get down.
The band too provided a high level of enthusiasm. Bassist Mark Dutton and drummer Tony Leone could often be seen sharing a look, and a laugh, from the back of the stage. From the candid joyous moments of the deep end to the subtle smirks on Neal Casal face as the night moved on, it was clear these guys all enjoy their day jobs. 
The band’s support join in the good times by passing out shirts to me and women deemed to have been boogieing down hard enough. The casual shirt toss has been done before, but this was far different…roadies picked out individual concert goers and handed them CRB shirts from the stage. Pretty awesome stuff.
The band infused the crowd with a syrup mixture of jams blended in and out of both originals and covers to keep everyone moving.. Like moonshine made from magic mushrooms (shroomshine?) it infected and awakened the senses. Covers like “Never Been to Spain” and “After Midnight” are presented in a CRB-ed manner. The result is pure psychedelic rock. Their original ballads blend seamlessly into the set with the covers when presented like this.
The crowd may have entered cold and breathless from the chilly night air, but they left sweaty and breathless from the big joyous sounds. Chris Robinson Brotherhood might come onto the stage dressed like could be pulling plants and stilling shine in Northern California (or southern Georgia), but they jam like the 20 plus year experienced road dogs that they are.
Thanksgiving brought Chris Spies and Mobile’s Dead downtown, but this year with a twist. Not only was the all star band going to perform Grateful Dead tunes, especially meaningful with the 50th anniversary celebration of the Grateful Dead taking place this year; but they also went the extra mile, bringing out a true Thanksgiving tradition and covering some of The Band’s Last Waltz tunes. The lineup consisted of Chris Spies, Albert Simpson, Ben Jernigan, Donna Hall (Wet Willie), Aron Wilkinson (Honey Island Swamp Band), Kevin Scott, and Greg DeLuca. The event was held once again at The Brickyard and the event was stellar. The Southern Rambler‘s Michelle Stancil has shared some great photos of the event for us.
The show was absolutely incredible from start to finish. Many people truly don’t understand the incredible talent pool that Mobile, AL has to offer to the music and arts of the world. Catt Sirten stated this so eloquently when presenting the acts as they rolled across the stage, thanking local baseball professional pitcher Jake Peavy (San Francisco Giants) for supporting the concert, and AL.com journalist Lawrence Specker for helping raise awareness of Mobile’s shining stars. The Joe Cool Trio could play any stage as the words that come to mind are ‘true professionals on their instruments’. Chris Severin laid down some thick heavy vibes on his upright bass; John Milham never ceases to amaze with his laidback yet so-precise drumming; and Chris Spies can rock any keys, but sounded absolutely beautiful stretching out melodies on the grand piano.
