Magpie Salute – High Water I

I recently read Steven Hyden’s latest book, Twilight Of The God’s: A Journey To The End Of Classic Rock. This book is a meditation on classic rock in light of the fact that the original practitioners are dying off. One of my insights after reading Hyden’s book is that classic rock will live on in the hands of younger disciples. Bands that start out as tribute bands or highly derivative bands can evolve into their own thing (so there is hope Greta Van Fleet can find their own voice).

A case in point is the local Twin Cities band, The Belfast Cowboys.  They are predominately a Van Morrison tribute band. They mix in originals and inspired covers (the show I saw included The Replacements’ “Can’t Hardly Wait”). Even their Van covers had their own unique flavor.  Ultimately, they are more than a tribute band – they are a neo-classic rock band.

When the “gods” are gone these inspired disciples will carry on. No different from what the Stones did with the blues in their youth. As Dylan says:

“Steal a little and they throw you in jail

Steal a lot and they make you king”

Which brings me to one of the Black Crowes’ founders, Rich Robinson and his latest band Magpie Salute.

The Crowes were a mix of the Stones, Aerosmith, The Allman Brothers, The Grateful Dead, The Band, etc. The Brothers Robinson have split and I doubt we will ever hear from the Crowes again, but the upside is that we now have two rivers were there once was only one.

Rich Robinson, whether with the Crowes, solo or now with Magpie Salute, is creating fresh classic rock. He is standing on the shoulders of giants and not mimicking his hero’s, but honoring them by make new music “in the tradition.”

Rich Robinson has combined former Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford and bassist Sven Pipien with guys from his solo career: vocalist John Hogg, keyboardist Matt Slocum and drummer Joe Magistro.

This music explodes with rock and roll swagger. If you are tired of the same old classic rock songs, but want that same spirit in something fresh, give this band a spin. Don’t look back, I have seen the future of classic rock and I like it.