The Black Crowes take Chicago

Anyone who’s ever seen The Black Crowes knows they’ll leave the venue with a greater appreciation for a band that truly plays well live.

And leave smelling like Nag Champa and reefer.

But unlike many jam bands and their 60s influences, The Black Crowes aren’t one of those groups that takes to the far-out soloing over an extended version of the original song. Instead, they take that song somewhere else, inviting the audience along in the passenger seat and passing a joint.

The extended versions breathe life to the live music experience, revitalizing a lost form of art that today is often forsaken by people who have three-minute attentions spans and bland, unchallenged consumerism.

The Black Crowes blasted through a more than two-hour set at The Riviera in Chicago on Friday in front of a sold-out crowd.

The sound was impeccable. Chris Robinson’s voice never faltered and the band’s energy and precision never failed.

The concert opened with “Good Morning Captain” from the Crowes’ latest album, “Before The Freeze,” moving swiftly into “Cursed Diamond” from “Amorica” and “Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye” from “The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion.”

Luckily for the crowd, the Crowes showcased the better parts of their 20-year-history while including fan favorites (rather than performing a Greatest Hits gig).

Highlights included “Ozone Mama,” “Good Friday,” “(Only) Halfway To Everywhere” and “No Speak No Slave.”

An unsuspecting crowd was also treated to guitarist Rich Robinson taking the lead vocals on a cover of The Velvet Underground’s “Sweet Nothing.” A band known for having a rich array of cover tunes at its disposal (who could forget Bob Marley’s “Time Will Tell” or The Band’s “The Weight), their version was flawless, complete with three-part vocal harmonies and extended jam solos.

The set also included about a half dozen tracks from the latest album, which was to be expected.

If they’re coming to a city near you on this concert tour, check them out. The only thing that perplexed me is they neglected to play anything from their debut album, “Shake Your Money Maker,” or 1999’s “By Your Side.”

All in all, a great show.

Now it's time to let my hair down and imbibe.

In the words of the Brothers Robinson, "I'm only halfway to everywhere."