REVIEW/PHOTOS: Anders Osborne and Luther Dickinson @ Tipitina’s 12/10/11

You can stream this show here

Two masters of their craft, arguably in the prime of their careers, put on an epic performance in NOLA on Saturday – and no, this isn’t a belated review of Watch the Throne. Local expat legend Anders Osborne and Luther Dickinson of North Mississippi All-Stars fame proved that two lead guitarists are always better than one when they shared the stage for an unforgettable 2+ hour set at Tipitina’s on Saturday night. I haven’t seen such talented guitarists trade riffs and solos since catching Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes at Jazz Fest 2010, and I must say Anders and Luther gave the aforementioned virtuosos a run for their money.

Anders Osborne @ Tipitina's Uptown || 12/10/11 - Photo © Marc Pagani

After a solid opening performance by Billy Iuso, Dickinson and Osborne came out guitars blazing and never missed a beat (or opportunity to solo)- throughout the set, despite it being only their fifth show together. Although their playing styles differ greatly, with Anders as more of a head-thrashing shredder, and Luther coming from a slower, funkier slide-man milieu, the guitars complimented each other perfectly and the song selection highlighted the best work of each. It was evident from the outset that Luther and Anders truly enjoyed sharing the stage, and in turn the crowd was very grateful for the chance to witness such a rare and rowdy collaboration.

Anders Osborne and Carl Dufrene @ Tipitina's Uptown || 12/10/11 - Photo © Marc Pagani

Luther had no trouble picking up the gritty Anders’ tune “On The Road To Charlie Parker“, and Mr. Dickinson got a chance to showcase some of the best of NMAS’ catalog with “Shake” and a quarter hour “All Night Long” standing out as highlights. But perhaps the most impressive songs of the night were the covers. A revved up “Knocking On Heaven’s Door” could have torn down the pearly gates, and speaking of heaven, Jerry Garcia himself would’ve appreciated the band’s take on “Sugaree“. My personal favorites of the cover variety were a loyal take on Little Feat’s “Spanish Moon” and a song where the lyrics managed to have just as much power as the dueling guitars – CSNY’s “Ohio.” Things died down with “Mean Ole Wind,” another NMAS hit, and a satiated crowd, dizzy on rock and roll greatness spilled out onto the corner of Tchoup and Napoleon. Thanks to this gem of a concert, I’m having to reconsider my favorite show of 2011. Here’s hoping they’ll get together again in 2012. Until then, you can catch Anders in another monumental collaboration as he takes the stage with Galactic on New Year’s Eve.