The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion (CD - 1992)

The CD-Extra version of THE SOUTHERN HARMONY AND MUSICAL COMPANION contains all the tracks from the original album along with two bonus tracks. The screensavers, a link to the Black Crowes' website and full-length videos of "Remedy" and "Sometimes Salvation" are accessible using a CD-ROM drive. The audio portion will play on any standard audio CD player. This CD is also available as part of the 5-CD SHO' NUFF box set.

The Black Crowes: Chris Robinson (vocals, harmonica, percussion); Rich Robinson, Marc Ford (guitar); Ed Harsch (piano, Hammond B-3 organ); Johnny Colt (bass); Steve Gorman (drums).

Additional personnel: Chris Trujillo (congas); Barbara, Taj (background vocals).

Recorded at Southern Tracks, Atlanta, Georgia.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

The Black Crowes: Chris Robinson (vocals, harmonica, percussion); Rich Robinson, Marc Ford (guitar); Ed Harsch (piano, Hammond B-3 organ); Johnny Colt (bass); Steve Gorman (drums).

Additional personnel: Chris Trujillo (congas); Barbara, Taj (background vocals).

Recorded at Southern Tracks, Atlanta, Georgia.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.

Personnel: Chris Robinson (vocals, harp, percussion); Marc Ford , Rich Robinson (guitar); Ed Hawrysch (piano, Wurlitzer organ); Steve Gorman (drums); Chris Trujillo, Chris Fruyillo (congas).

Audio Mixer: Kevin Shirley.

Recording information: Southern Tracks, Atlanta, GA; U.S.A; United States.

Photographer: Mark Seliger.

Unknown Contributor Role: Paul Max Bloom.

Given the sub-Stones boogie of their debut, SHAKE YOUR MONEY MAKER, THE SOUTHERN HARMONY AND MUSICAL COMPANION came as a quietly accomplished body of work, apparently way beyond their relative youth and experience. The EXILE ON MAIN STREET references were still intact, but the predominant swagger and sashay had been abandoned in favour of a soulful interpretation of their roots, rather than a parody of their influences. Chris Robinson's Jagger pastiche was replaced by a more gutsy, honest strut, while brother Rich plays with an aplomb and spirit that struck darkly at the heart of their songs. A very grown-up record indeed.

The addition of the more technically gifted guitarist Marc Ford and a full-time organist gives the Black Crowes room to stretch out on The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, perhaps the band's finest moment. Using Rich Robinson's descending chord progressions as a base, the band grooves its way through a remarkably fresh-sounding collection of Faces-like rockers and ballads, tearing into the material with flair and confidence and really coming into its own as a top-notch rock & roll outfit. But while the focus is undeniably on the band's musical chemistry, Southern Harmony also boasts a strong collection of songs, striking a perfect balance between the concise Shake Your Money Maker and their later, more jam-oriented records. While there aren't as many obvious singles as on their debut album, The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion is the best expression of the Crowes' ability to take a classic, tried-and-true sound and make it their own. [The CD reissue appended a pair of bonus tracks: a "Slow" version of "Sting Me," and "99 Lbs."] ~ Steve Huey minimize