Wiser for the Time (Live)

Anyone familiar with the sprawling wingspan of The Black Crowes’ career can trace their Hotlanta beginnings as keepers of the boogie-rock torch that was ignited by bands like The Faces and The Rolling Stones. But sometime after 1994’s Amorica, the Crowes' Southern-fried stomp and blues-blasting riffs softened into meandering rhythms and noodling leads that had more in common with The Grateful Dead. The 2013 set Wiser for the Time reveals The Black Crowes’ full transformation into a festival-friendly jam band. An acoustic-based version of “Cursed Diamond” opens, sounding like a Chris Robinson solo tune before drums, bass, organ, and brother Rich Robinson’s electric guitar leads flesh out the following “Sister Luck.” Even rockers like “No Speak No Slave” are mellowed a bit here. Other gems include dazzling covers of Gram Parsons’ weepy “Hot Burrito #1” and the more upbeat “Hot Burrito #2.” Where The Black Crowes’ early-'90s Southern-steeped rock trimmed the band like a fringed suede vest, the earthier jams here fit more naturally, like a well-worn pair of blue jeans.