The Black Crowes rolled into The Center for the Arts on the University of Buffalo’s Amherst Campus on November 6th for a raucous rock and roll show. Playing to a less than full house the enthusiastic crowd was treated to a two plus hour show. Amazing on its own is that the band is still on the road. Rumored substance abuse problems, a divorce from a hot Hollywood actress and the departure of two core members of the band all within the last few weeks has left it mark. The show was more self indulgent for the band members it seemed as they felt each other out musically.  Very little acknowledgement was made to the audience or interaction save a few “thank you” and nods. The beginning of the show was marred by sound problems at least from my vantage point. An over loud bass and guitar drowned out most of lead singer Chris Robinson’s vocals. Starting off with “Halfway To Everywhere” the band seamlessly went into a blistering version of “Sting Me”. Settling down after that the band seemed more content playing their bluesy groove rock that at time seemed off the mark. Perhaps growing pains for this new lineup.
   The rallied to finish strong with “She Talks To Angels”, the gospel tinged “Soul Singing” and a hard rocking “Remedy”. They returned fro an encore and ran through a spirited take on “Shake Your Moneymaker”. For more upcoming shows at Center For The Arts got to www.ubcfa.org