The Black Crowes resurgence cannot be denied. The band, which reunited in 2019, just dropped their latest record Happiness Bastards (which features the earworm “Wanting and Waiting), and were announced for the gigantic 2024 Sea.Hear.Now Festival in Asbury this September.
So, it’s pretty cool that one of the stalwart bands in the New Jersey music scene — Lost Romance — dedicates an entire night to the Crowes’ seminal record, The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion. This record features the Crowes’ iconic anthem “Remedy” as well as live staples such as “Sting Me,” “Thorn in My Pride” and this writer’s personal favorite, “My Morning Song.” Lost Romance paying tribute to the record — along with a cavalcade of luminaries from the Asbury Scene — takes place on Saturday March 30 at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club, located atop the Robinson Ale House.
We caught up with our old pal Gerry Perlinski, lead singer and guitarist (who’s going to absolute kill it on vocals and guitars), to talk about the genesis of the show and new music on the horizon for the band.
Lost Romance is presenting a special show where the band along with a number of special guests will be performing The Black Crowes’ seminal record The Great Southern Harmony and Musical Companion. Can you talk about the inspiration to put on this show?
The inspiration came during a road trip back in 2022 in Upstate New York. I was driving along a rural road and I suddenly had a hankering to hear the song “Sometimes Salvation” by The Black Crowes. So, I put in on and re-discovered how truly great that album was and it got me thinking. I thought, you know, this would be a perfect album to cover front to back with Lost Romance. It’s got all the elements of a true rock n’ roll masterpiece: solid songwriting, incredible energy and above all soul! But, I knew we couldn’t do it as a trio, so I had to start putting together a real supergroup to make it happen.
The album is stacked with hits like “Remedy” and “Thorn in My Pride” — what is your favorite song off the album, and what do you think is the most underrated track on the record?
My favorite song off the album would probably be “Sometimes Salvation” because it just has this groove and guitar riff that pushes and pulls the song. Plus, the guitar solo just sounds so dangerous!
I would say the most underrated song on this album is “No Speak No Slave.” Again, it’s that almost Hendrix-type guitar riff and groove along with the backing vocals really makes this one lift off the ground for me.
You’ve brought a slew of amazing musicians on for the show including Chris Hoke of Sequoia, Ryan Gregg from Shady Street Show Band, Sandy Mack, Kindra Rose from the Whodat? Live Crew and Nicole Atkins band, and Deseree Spinks of Des & the Swagmatics.
Can you speak about why you brought these specific musicians in to be a part of this special night?
Every one of the musicians who are partaking in this set are at the top of their game musically. Plus, they have deep experience in putting on a great live performance. In addition, each one has that certain “je ne sais quoi” which fits perfectly for this type of music and album. You have to be able to feel this music, not just perform it note for note and this group gets it. On top of that, a lot of them are fans of The Black Crowes. So that doesn’t hurt!
Which songs have you find the most challenging to rehearse/perform off the album?
I wouldn’t say any particular song was specifically challenging. That being said, in Lost Romance, I am the main singer and guitar player. So that means I have to take on a lot as a performer and band leader.
One of the challenges I had doing The Black Crowes set was I needed to let go a bit of that top dog role and let the music dictate what happens. I knew certain songs would be harder to sing and play guitar for, so I either dialed back what I was doing on guitar or just gave the song to someone else in the group to sing. One of my goals in this show is to let each one of the musicians have a chance to shine by taking lead vocals for a song or two and do what they do best.
Chris Robinson does a lot of ad-libbing in these songs, so creating a balance between singing the exact lyrics and going freestyle initially brought about some challenges, but we’ve worked them out for the show. It’s gonna sound amazing!
Can the audience expect any other Black Crowes music during the night?
We definitely thought about that and fans have asked, but I’ve decided to keep it to the album only. I want the experience to be like listening to the album on vinyl, but in a live setting. However, we will be doing a few other fun blues covers which people might know throughout the set. But you’ll have to come out to the show to hear those!!
The Black Crowes are obviously in the news these days — being a part of Sea.Hear.Now in September and dropping their first record in forever, Happiness Bastards. What’s your thought of the band’s reunion and their new music?
I think it’s great that they have mended some fences and are able to put out new music and get back on the road. Life is short and any time spent arguing is less time making great music as far as I’m concerned. I’m digging the new album and if I get the chance, I’d love to check them out on this tour. Who knows, maybe we’ll catch their set at Sea.Hear.Now somehow?!
Outside of this show what’s on the horizon for Lost Romance in 2024?
We have started doing some more regional touring again throughout the Northeast and are planning to do a short UK run later in the year. We’re also pushing to play more festivals (hopefully some large ones) across the U.S.. We’ll also hit the studio again to record another single. Stay tuned!
Tickets for Lost Romance Presents the Southern Harmony and Musical Companion are available here.
