Robert Plant,Alison Krauss Live Review - 07 May 2008

Robert Plant,Alison Krauss Live Review - 07 May 2008

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Live Review

A legend of Rock’n’Roll. An icon of Bluegrass. Odd couple? Yes, no problems though!

On paper, the pairing of former (or is it current?) Led Zeppelin ‘Rock God’ Robert Plant, 59 and Bluegrass princess Alison Krauss, 36, has to be one the strangest in music history. Pushing their individual boundaries, they collaborated on one of the unlikeliest successes of late 2007. Come February 2008, their mesmerising album Raising Sand hit number 2 in the UK and USA, and now Platinum status. On its release, the music press loved it, and eventually fans latched onto it, pushed by its second single release Please Read The Letter earlier this year, originally included on Plant and Page’s 1998 album Walking Into Clarksdale. Plant reckons he’s created something he couldn’t have dreamed of. Krauss says it was a life-changing experience. In truth it was new territory for both, though both have a passion for roots music, and harmony work, helped them on their way. After a meeting for a tribute to Leadbelly, rehearsals proved fruitful, though Krauss had some reservations about the material, not knowing if she could handle it.

Both stepping out of their comfort zones, looking like Norse invaders, they dropped by the Apollo Manchester with full band, including T-Bone Burnett, the album’s producer. For once, Plant was operating as part of a duo, and sometimes as backing singer. Also, his rock-wail approach was dropped for a more considered and intimate slithering tenor style and it worked to perfection throughout the 2 hour 15 minutes. Gorgeous in a tan dress and styled hair (there’s plenty of it), Krauss looked a little uncomfortable with her new ‘working environment’ (lets not forget she’s not used to this kind of presentation), remaining static for most of the night. In contrast, Plant moved like a panther, still able to hold a sexually charged posture at the mic, flicking the odd corkscrew lock, just like the old days. Guitarist T-Bone Burnett overviewed proceedings with a beam, like a child with a new toy, visibly relishing every moment. House lights down, techs off, T-Bone and band in place, Plant strolled on to cheers and whistles. He greeted Krauss mid -stage with a high-five and they’re straight into Rich Woman – their harmonizing instantly magical. Further in, they touched on Led Zeppelin with a low-key country interpretation of rock blast Black Dog, allowing the crowd to do some familiar,”ah ah ah’s”. Plant finally spoke. “It’s great to back in this town again. Please give a warm welcome to Alison Kraus,” thrilling his fans as he left the stage. Krauss did a sweet solo and some fiddle playing. She glowed as the breeze machine swept her dress. Plant returned as backup for a countrified Through The Morning Through The Night while T-Bone strummed and Buddy Miller’s pedal steel drenched the ballad. Then Krauss left Plant to rock it up on Fortune Teller, later joining him. Out of the blue came another Zep gem – Black Country Woman to cheers once again. Midway, Plant finally reminded us of his awesome vocal power as he let- rip to the astonishment of Krauss who was clearly impressed with the old master. 29 Palms, a Plant solo single is beautifully re-worked for the night with Krauss adding some sumptuous singing. Following T-Bone’s spot, delicate ballad Trampled Rose saw Krauss giving a vocal masterclass. She’s then given time for some real Bluegrass from soundtrack O Brother, Where Art Thou?, singing a haunting Down To The River To Pray, with just Plant, Stuart Duncan and Buddy Miller doing the backups, making it one of the major highlights. Then came Killing The Blues : dreamy and smooth harmonies aplenty. Yet another Zep classic emerges and it’s almost unrecognisable – When The Levee Breaks – and its mind-blowing. Sandy Denny was the only female singer to grace a Zep album when she duetted with Plant on Going To California. Now it was Krauss’ turn, and she passed with flying colours. Two singles, Please Read The Letter and rockabilly Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On), are superbly upbeat. After a standing ovation, they’re quickly back for three more, closing with traditional Your Long Journey, leaving us with yet another classy duet, as you’d expect from two masters of their craft.

On this glorious night, both spread their wings for a flight of fancy. What a flight.

Elly Roberts

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