CMT Crossroads Season 6 Episode 4 Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
- February 11, 2008
Titled "Robert Plant & Alison Krauss," the fourth episode of the sixth season of CMT Crossroads features an unforgettable musical collaboration between two legendary artists. Robert Plant, the iconic singer of the English rock band Led Zeppelin, and Alison Krauss, the Grammy-winning bluegrass singer and musician, come together for an evening of genre-bending music that showcases their individual talents and shared love of Americana.
The episode begins with a brief introduction by the hosts of CMT Crossroads, followed by a montage of clips from previous episodes that highlights the show's commitment to bringing together artists from different genres to create unique musical experiences. The stage is then set for the main event, with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss taking the stage to thunderous applause from the audience.
The first song of the evening is "Please Read the Letter," a haunting ballad that was originally recorded by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss for their collaborative album, Raising Sand. The song showcases Krauss's soaring vocals and Plant's distinctive voice, which has lost none of its power and range over the years. The two artists complement each other perfectly, with Krauss's fiddle and Plant's harmonica adding layers of texture to the song's stripped-down arrangement.
From there, the setlist shifts between songs from Raising Sand and classic Led Zeppelin tracks, with each song given a fresh interpretation that highlights the chemistry between Plant and Krauss. "Black Dog," one of Led Zeppelin's most iconic songs, is transformed into a bluesy jam session that showcases the virtuosity of each musician, while "Rich Woman" and "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" allow Krauss to show off her country and rockabilly influences.
Another highlight of the episode is "When the Levee Breaks," a Led Zeppelin song that has been covered by countless artists over the years but takes on new life in Plant and Krauss's hands. The slow, bluesy groove of the song is perfectly suited to Krauss's mournful fiddle playing, and Plant's vocals pack an emotional punch that is impossible to ignore.
Throughout the episode, the camaraderie between Plant and Krauss is evident, with both artists clearly enjoying the opportunity to collaborate with someone whose musical style is so different from their own. The audience is treated to stories and anecdotes from both artists, who share their insights into the creative process and the challenges of working with a new collaborator.
The episode ends with a rousing rendition of "Battle of Evermore," another Led Zeppelin classic that features Krauss taking on the vocal duties originally performed by Sandy Denny. The song's ethereal atmosphere and mystical lyrics make it a perfect fit for the Plant and Krauss treatment, and the two artists bring it to life with a heartfelt performance that leaves the audience cheering for more.
Overall, "Robert Plant & Alison Krauss" is a must-see episode of CMT Crossroads that showcases the best of both artists while also demonstrating the power of collaboration and musical exploration. Whether you're a die-hard Led Zeppelin fan, a bluegrass enthusiast, or simply a lover of great music, this episode is sure to leave you feeling inspired and energized.