One might wonder why I would title my review of
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss' show at
Mohegan Sun last night with a line from
"The Battle of Evermore". Well, it was about that point in the song where I realized I was hearing the voice of God coming from the stage, and I stopped breathing. I only slightly exaggerate.
I knew that there would have to be some Led Zeppelin worked into this set list; the album they collaborated on is not particularly long, and Robert Plant cannot help but, well, be Robert Plant. So, Brian and I discussed this possibility on the way down to the casino, and during dinner. He'd heard rumors of "Hey, Hey, What Can I Do" coming out at other dates. I was also hoping for some of Alison's material as well; her work with Union Station is legendary, and her voice is like that of an angel. Three songs into the night, a particularly bluesy number from Physical Grafitti made its way into the set. Then later, Alison soloed on songs from
"O Brother Where Art Thou", particularly "Down In The River". Which was a stunner, even without Gillian Welch and Emmylou Harris. Even T-Bone Burnett had a few numbers mid-set, and they were incredible. This unbelievable fusion of roots music and blues and early rock and roll and rhythm and blues. And then, the final song of the main set.
We heard the familiar mandolin introduction, and Brian, his friend Dave and I kept looking back and forth at each other, to try and confirm if we were really hearing what we thought we were hearing. And then it hit me, yes, it's Evermore. And Alison's going to sing the high responses (ooo, dance in the dark night, sing to the morning light). And I had to sit down for a minute. I was waving my hand in front of my face, like I was trying to stave off heat stroke. That performance was probably one of the most musically intense performances I've ever witnessed in my entire life. A stellar band, mixed with crystal clear sound, so that every nuance of every note shone strong, and two voices that twist around each other like molten silver and gold, and I seriously thought that I could DIE at that moment and go to the afterlife completely fulfilled.
This was the capping moment to a show that was filled with stunning musical performances. I know I cried at least four or five different times during the set, current headspace notwithstanding (although, I'm sure it contributed to the emotional overload). But I could not have had a better time. If they're coming near you, GO SEE THIS SHOW. Seriously. Do not miss this.
Labels: alison krauss, blog 365, music, robert plant
