During the British Invasion of the 60s we were given back England’s version of our great Blues music. British bands like the Yardbirds, Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin re-interpreted the American Blues music of the 50s and sold millions of albums to young white audiences that weren’t all that familiar with that genre of music.

Last night at the Rose Garden’s Theater of The Clouds it happened again. Robert Plant has been a student of American Music most of his life and that passion teamed him up with the great producer T-Bone Burnett and Alison Krauss to produce one of the best displays of “American Roots” music I’ve ever heard.

Robert Plant made an off-hand reference to that “thievery” when he said that Gallow’s Pole (from the album Led Zeppelin III) was written by us “and someone from Mississippi.” Last night it was that fusion that took what could have been a Zeppelin re-hashing, and transformed it into a brilliant example of what can happen when passionate musicians think way outside the box and let their collective imaginations run free.

About three songs into the show the “play some Zeppelin!” fans started making their voices heard. Mr. Plant kind of snickered and said “Here’s one for you”. The band then went into a very slow, dark, and somewhat tongue-in-cheek version of Zep’s Black Dog. That was the clue that this wasn’t going to be an ordinary night.

Of the Zeppelin songs played, the selection was perfect for the instrumentation. Black Dog, Battle of Evermore and the obscure Black Country Woman (from the 1975 album Physical Graffiti) were masterfully interpreted.

Another of the Plant highlights was a beautiful version of his solo hit “In The Mood” (from the 1985 album The Principles of Moment). The band led by T-Bone Burnett, Guitarist Buddy Miller and Stuart Duncan on fiddle, guitar, banjo and mandolin, were exceptional. Interpreting Led Zeppelin songs is a tricky high-wire to walk and they did it flawlessly.

Alison Krauss was hypnotizing. I’m sure a lot of people went to hear Robert Plant, but there was a very loyal and vocal contingent for Ms. Krauss as well. She won over the crowd with her musicianship and very strong vocal abilities.

Her part in “The Battle of Evermore” was not an easy part and she didn’t disappoint. One of the highlights was her version of “Down to the River to Pray” from the T-Bone Burnett produced soundtrack to “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?”. Material from the Plant Krauss album “Raising Sand” was perfect, and their covers were well thought. How often do you get to hear Robert Plant sing George Jones (One Woman Man)? or, the old New Orleans song Fortune Teller?

I’m still reeling from how great this show was. The tour and project are coming to a close with only about three more shows. I was given the sense that they are sad to see this one come to a close. Glad I got a chance to see it before it comes to an end.

Lots of rumors about a Zeppelin reunion tour, that may or may not happen and I hope that it does, but one thing was proven by last night’s show, Robert Plant has not lost his passion for exploring music’s roots and trying to come up with new ways to share that passion with his audience. Thievery? Maybe. Respect? Absolutely!

~ Brad Dolbeer