Those who were there often call The Band’s 1971 New Year’s Eve concert at NYC’s Academy of Music the best show they ever witnessed. And the double album that documented the event, Rock of Ages, is counted among the best live rock albums of all time. On Saturday, November 28th, at Brooklyn Bowl, musicians who played and collaborated with members of The Band will recreate the experience for fans nostalgic for those days or anyone in search of timeless songs and dazzling musicianship.
That band performing on the 28th will be The Weight: Jim Weider, guitar; Randy Ciarlante, drums; Byron Isaacs, bass; Marty Grebb, keyboards and horns; and Brian Mitchell, keyboards and accordion. The Weight formed with the expressed purpose of keeping The Band’s catalogue alive for a new generation of fans. Reminiscent of The Band, all five musicians sing harmony and trade off on lead vocals. For this show, they will be joined by the King Harvest Horns: Lauren Sevion, baritone sax; Aaron Heick, tenor and soprano sax; James K. Smith, trumpet; and Clark Gayton on the low brass. The show will be dedicated to the late Allen Toussaint, who arranged the horns for The Band.
Dazzle they did. Brought it strong!