When one thinks of Robert Plant one thinks of the rock legend who helped define a genre. And though many fans at the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts would glady have dropped a fair bit of coin to see their beloved Zeppelin together as part of a larger tour nary a fan could dispute the natural progression, nor denouce the path Robert Plant has chosen to continue to flurish on and extend his musical legend. Having already won a grammy for his work with Alison Krauss in 2008 Plant was back in Toronto with his latest incarnation, a group called “Band Of Joy”.
Band of Joy includes singer guitarist Patty Griffin, singer guitarist Buddy Miller, multi instrumentalist/vocalist Darrel Scott, bassist Byron House, and drummer Marco Giovino. The band provided a wonderful musical backdrop to Plants vocals. When given the opportunity Griffin, Miller and Scott shone bright as lead vocalists. Plant in the meantime was content to fall into the background either sipping tea and enjoying his bandmates or joining in on harmonica.
While the crowd enjoyed the musical delight the band put forth, the “We love you Robert” calls could be heard all night long. As expected the loudest ovations were heard when the Zeppelin songs were played. Though very different from the originals “Ramble On” and “Rock and Roll” were the crowd favourites.
Robert Plant and Band Of Joy ended off the night with a version of the Greatful Dead’s “And We Bid You Goodnight”.
