The Weight Turn On The Colonial Theater
Pittsfield Massachusetts
December 3, 2015
With old man winter quickly approaching, the Colonial
Theater in Pittsfield, Massachusetts was warmed up by the sounds of The Weight.
Featuring former members of The Band, Levon Helm Band and Rick Danko Group, the
legendary sounds of that fondly remembered band called “The Band” come shining
through with this all-star cast of players. Their namesake is after one of
their more famous tracks and they represent this classic music most
appropriately.
I will give the abbreviated rundown of the lineup
provided right from the band’s website.
Jim Weider is a former member of the legendary group, The
Band. From 1985 to 2000, Jim replaced Robbie Robertson as their lead
guitarist.
Randy Ciarlante was a member of the second incarnation of
The Band. Up until Levon's passing, he double-drummed in Levon Helm's Midnight
Ramble Band.
Brian Mitchell is a current member of Levon Helm's Midnight
Ramble Band and is well-known within the circles of the music industry and
beyond for his solo career and his high-profile collaborations.
Byron Isaacs is a current member of Levon Helm's Midnight
Ramble Band, The Dirt Farmer Band and Ollabelle.
Marty Grebb played with The Rick Danko Band, The Garth
Hudson Band, wrote songs with Richard Manuel, and also wrote for and recorded
with Eric Clapton, Leon Russell, Etta James, Marty also wrote songs, and played
for The Band appearing on the Jericho CD.
Now you have to admit that each member of The Weight has
an impressive resume. They would prove throughout the night their fine musical
pedigree would be consistent. I would classify their music as eclectic at the
very least, an enticing mixture of rock, blues, Americana, roots, honky tonk
and ragtime. That is a literal musical stew to be sure. There are also hints of
a New Orleans spicy flavor to their sound as well particularly when Brain
Mitchell picked up the accordion (otherwise known as the organ from hell).
This is one talent laden band. Every member can sing and plays
like the polished professionals I anticipated seeing. A highlight of the night was
the multitude of instruments Marty Greeb played which included keyboards,
guitar and saxophones. They are all very talented however it was not hard to recognize
how many different things this man did.
The night started at 8pm sharp, as all shows do at the
Colonial and there was no warm up band. As we found out very quickly we did not
any other lineup to warm our souls. Some songs just speak for themselves and
their history carries a heavy responsibility in presenting them as originally
intended. I assure you this was accomplished…just like laying down a royal
flush on the card table.
Some of the songs that really spoke to the audience in
attendance were “Across The Great Divide” and Springsteen’s “Atlantic City.”
You knew instantly it was Springsteen’s song even though this music is quite
different from the catalog of “The Boss.” “Cripple Creek” got some hoots and
hollers of course as did “The Weight,” as both are signature tunes. For these
ears the highlight of the entire evening was “Life’s A Carnival.” Everything
about that song featured this band at their best and it bleeds and sweats The
Band. They also mentioned former members of The Band during the course of the
night paying respect to their legacy and importance to the music they were
playing.
It does not get much better than this. Sometimes you have
to go see a cover band to enjoy music you loved because the band has long since
dissolved or members have passed away. You need not worry, every one of these
members is connected with The Band and now they bring this original and unique
blend of music to the stage. I am grateful for the opportunity to have
witnessed it and would not hesitate to do it again. If you are looking for a
great evening of music that will spice up your life and put a smile in your soul
make sure you check out The Weight.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Founder of Write A Music
Review, Prog Rock Music Talk, MuzikMan.net, MuzikMan Reviews, New Age Music
Reviews, Rate The Tracks
Set
List:
1. We
Can Talk
2. Stage
Fright
3. Across
The Great Divide
4. Atlantic
City
5. King
Harvest
6. Master
Piece
7. Look
Out Cleveland
8. Tears
of Rage
9. Cripple
Creek
10. Ophelia
11. Caledonia
Mission
12. Down
in the Flood
13. Life’s
A Carnival
14. Makes
No Difference
15. Walcott
Medicine
16. The
Weight
17. Shape
I’m In
18. Chest
Fever
Encore:
19. Remedy
20. Rock & Roll Shoes
