When the Black Crowes announced in early 2002 that they would be taking an extended hiatus, much of the band's fanbase that had developed over their 15 year history was left questioning whether Chris Robinson could make it on his own. Robinson quickly erased any questions of doubt with his 2002 release New Earth Mud, a rejuvenating masterpiece that showcased Robinson's softer and more passionate side.
Robinson and his band (which has adopted the New Earth Mud title) continue to evolve musically with an exciting collection of twelve new songs on This Magnificent Distance. As Robinson has noted, This Magnificent Distance is an L.A. based album, in contrast to the debut album which was written in the more romantic confines of Paris.
Always charismatic, the singer’s voice sparkles with conviction and raw emotion throughout, including the rockin' opener, "40 Days," and the dreamy "Girl on the Mountain." Robinson's brand of original and inventive lyrics dominate on songs like "When the Cold Blows at the Dark Edge of Night," with Robinson disclosing, "they say there's a light at the end of night/but it seems so far away." While most of the album's tracks are either written by Robinson himself, or co-written with guitarist Paul Stacey, the Crowe's Audley Freed lends a hand penning the Crowes-like "Mother of Stone" and the more folk-based "Like a Tumbleweed in Eden." Yet regardless of songwriter, the underlying theme of freedom is vividly apparent, most notably on "Sea of Love," which finds Robinson bellowing, "she said put your freedom where your mouth is baby/hold my hand and watch the sky explode."
From the bouncy "Eagles on the Highway" to the soulful “Train Robbers” and porch folk-meets arena rocker, "Surgical Glove," each distinct tune features crafty musicianship led by the dynamic guitar playing of Stacey and the inspired drumming of Jeremy Stacey. All evoking that sense of endless possibility, empathetically noted again on "If you See California," exposing how the state that Robinson now calls home has been such an inspiration to him, both as a physical state, as well as a state of mind.
While New Earth Mud's previous debut album was recorded with the band essentially backing Chris Robinson, this latest release benefits from the band having earned road miles together before going into the studio - resulting in a more collective, band-oriented album steered by a gifted leader. With This Magnificent Distance, Chris Robinson continues to stake his claim as one of the most imaginative and inventive singer/songwriters of our time.
