05.22.12

The comparisons overheard from the sold-out Roseland Ballroom spoke volumes for Brittany Howard and the Alabama Shakes. From Janis Joplin to Amy Winehouse, many a golden-piped ghost was channeled through the roots rock vocalist. Another bystander commented on her range, remarkably impressive in its gritty segments as well as high notes reminiscent of Al Green. “You Ain’t Alone” and “Boys & Girls” highlighted the burgeoning band’s righteous opening set.

Jack White and his all-female backing band came out of the gate with a frenzy, tearing apart “Sixteen Saltines” with a barrage of guitars and crashing cymbals. Another track from White’s solo debut Blunderbuss, the lovelorn “Missing Pieces,” flowed smoothly from the explosive show starter and trickled into the familiar opening notes of “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground,” a White Stripes classic. White took time to explore the catalogue of his former band throughout the night while showcasing standouts from his Billboard-topping new album such as the beautifully-written duet, “Love Interruption.”

One of White’s more intriguing collaborations came via 2011’s Rome alongside producer Danger Mouse and Italian composer Daniele Luppi. His band recreated the spaghetti western-inspired “Two Against One” with aplomb, giving the edgy original a welcome dose of caffeine. The Roseland faithful went ballistic upon hearing the first riff of “The Hardest Button to Button” and clapped along methodically to every beat. “Take Me With You When You Go,” the closing track from Blunderbuss, showed off White’s versatility with its epic, meandering 60s vibe. The bluesy number “Ball and Biscuit,” another captivating addition, featured White’s most prolific guitar solo of the evening. As he closed his eyes and kicked it into high gear, he was so locked into the moment that he hit his face on the mic. The audience barely noticed. Virtuosity taken to such extremes forgives an occasional lapse in cool. …MORE