Professor "Louie" And The Crowmatix Featuring Garth Hudson

by Bob Pierce

Professor "Louie" and the Crowmatix, featuring Garth Hudson, brought their special blend of R&B, blues, and roots rock to the cramped quarters of Philly`s Tin Angel on the brisk night of January 13. The small but enthusiastic crowd, (which prompted one patron to quip, "I love these private parties!") embraced the band and their songs throughout the evening.

Carefully altering between thoughtful ballads and rockers, the crowmatix set featured many highlights. The slower numbers included a countryfied ballad of haunted sensibilities, "Restless Islands;" a cry for connections in fleeting times, "No Division-Heart and Soul;" and poignant plea for reunion in "The Great Beyond." Miss Marie Spinosa`s full throated soulful voice, Professor Louie`s piano/accordion work, and, of course, Garth`s organ prowess wowed the audience. During "No Division..." one could imagine co-author Rick Danko smiling down from above onto this rendition.

To enliven the crowd, Crowmatix did not shy away from some rocking, up-tempo material. An upbeat version of the Band`s "Ophelia," featuring Garth on tenor sax, and a spirited reading of its "Endless Highway" showcased Louie`s fine piano work and guitarist David Malachowski`s plugged-in acoustic lead. Fats Domino`s R&B nugget "Four Winds Blow" really struck the audience with its unbridled passion.

For Crowmatix`s last number, Garth worked his magic and fiddled with knobs and pedals and buttons to produce a crowd pleasing into to "Chest Fever." Garth fondness for his instrument and the pleasure he still seems to have for idiosyncratic sounds clearly showed itself to the audience.

After the show, fans gathered around an accommodating Garth, and he graciously signed Band memorabilia and posed for some candids. The crowd left the Tin Angel feeling that and old friend, along with some new pals, just paid a special visit.