One week prior to the release of his most recent solo album The Ceaseless Sight, Rich Robinson, best known as the guitarist, songwriter and founding member of the Black Crowes, played an intimate club show at the Satellite, located in Los Angeles’ Silverlake neighborhood. Those who attended were treated to a unique setlist that included a majority of the cuts from the new record, some songs from previous solo efforts and a few covers. Overall, it was a stellar performance that not only entertained but also once again proved that Robinson is restlessly committed to achieving new heights (and is succeeding at it.)

One could say that the Satellite is off the beaten path from the bright lights and neon glow of Hollywood or Downtown Los Angeles. One could even say that it’s not even in the heart of the hipster neighborhood that it resides in. Surrounded by a quiet residential community in Silverlake, the Satellite is removed from the smoke shops, tattoo parlors, bars, clubs, restaurants, coffee bistros and fitness studios of Sunset Boulevard that can be found down the road. That being said, the venue could fool a local Angeleno that he or she has gotten away from hustle and bustle of the nation’s second biggest city. Despite the unassuming exterior, a memorable and magical night of rock and roll would be taking place behind its doors this evening.

Robinson got things underway with high energy and high energy. The band opened with the barn burning bluesy rocker “I Know You,” the first track to his new album. Next up was “Inside,” a groove-based psychedelic headspin complete with a Sly and the Family Stone inspired rave-up. Heavy and heady, along with grace and grit, would be served up in sonic abundance throughout the night.

A decade or so before bands like the White Stripes and the Black Keys hit the scene, the Black Crowes were that band that tweaked and reimagined rock and roots music of the past with a fresh and unique touch of their own. Robinson has taken a similar approach with his new material. Aside from the blues-rock and funky psychedelic elements heard in the first couple of songs, Robinson added his electrified twist to Americana (“In Comes the Night”/ “Down the Road”) and gospel soul (“The Giving Key”.) Robinson also continues to foray into the realm of folk music, a journey that he has ventured deeper into on recent Black Crowes records and his previous solo album, Through a Crooked Sun; There was the handclap campfire folk of “One Road Hill” and “Trial and Faith,” which took more of a psych folk direction.

The lyrical themes running through this new material reflect transformation and moving forward and the performance itself was an ode to maturation and growth. Over the past decade, Robinson has become much more at ease as a vocalist. As for his six-string dexterities, he has only become more masterful in his wizardry of riffs, solos and weaving with a second guitarist, a staple to any of his musical endeavors.

Joining Robinson on this tour; drummer and fellow member of the Black Crowes, Joe Magistro, bassist Ted Pecchio, keyboardist Matt Slocum and the multitalented Dan Wistrom on guitar, pedal steel and background vocals. Collectively, they contributed vibrant sonic landscapes that gave the music color and richness, no pun intended

No songs by the Black Crowes were played, but a few cuts from Robinson’s previous solo efforts made the night’s setlist as well; “Yesterday I Saw You” was the one and only song from his 2004 solo debut Paper, and “Look Through My Window” was the sole cut from 2011’s Llama Blues EP. A few more cuts from his 2011 release Through a Crooked Sun were represented, with “Falling Again” showing up just past the halfway mark, and “Lost and Found” and “Bye Bye Baby” closing out the main set.

There were a handful of covers as well, including Neil Young’s “Albuquerque,” which segued into an ethereal take on “Laila II” by the experimental German krautrock band, Agitation Free. For the night’s encore, the band performed a spectacular, jam-heavy take on Derek and the Domino’s “Got to Get Better in a Little While,” similar to the version heard on the Clapton-led band’s 1973 live release, “In Concert.”

Over the past couple of years, Robinson has visited the City of Angels with various projects, including solo efforts, the Black Crowes and the Roadhouse Rebels (featuring Robby Krieger of the Doors.) Each experience has always been unique in it’s own way and this evening was no different. The eve of Robinson’s latest release felt like the dawn of a new chapter in his illustrious career as a musician.

Those who trickled in early for the evening’s main event were treated to a set by Crusade, a loose and heady hard rock trio formed in Los Angeles back in 2012, featuring Mike Bray (Kyle Gass Band/ Tenacious D) on drums and vocals, John Konesky (Tenacious D) on guitar and Jokin Salaverria (Jonny Kaplan) on bass. Their sound was reminiscent of seventies heavyweights like Led Zeppelin, Mountain and Free, and in fact, they even covered the latter’s “Fire and Water,” as well as CSNY’s “Almost Cut My Hair.” Considering that the band is a rather new one, filling an opening slot and had yet to release their debut album, many of those in the crowd had never been exposed to their work. Judging by the sight of disappointed attendees at the merch booth being told that they will have to wait until later in the year for a record by the band, it’s fair to say that the band’s impassioned performance overcame the obstacles of unfamiliarity.