Robert Plant Unveils 'Band of Joy' at Secret London Gig

Jim Dyson, Getty Images

Robert Plant unveiled his new 'Band of Joy' album at a secret gig in the intimate environs of One Mayfair -- a former church -- in London on the evening of Weds, Sept. 1, with a half-hour set that displayed his ongoing love affair with American roots music.

Eschewing the bombast that made his name with Led Zeppelin, Plant tapped into a vein of American music that was entirely befitting of a man of 62 years of age. Joined by the Band of Joy -- singer Patti Griffin, guitarists Buddy Miller and Darrell Scott, bassist Byron House and drummer Marco Giovino -- Plant deftly displayed why a Led Zeppelin reunion. His performance conclusively proved that he remains one of the finest interpreters of other people's material since Johnny Cash shuffled off this mortal coil.

Opening with a menacing cover of Low's 'Monkey' was an audacious move and one that paid off handsomely. Plant's voice coalesced beautifully with Griffin's, and Miller coaxed a series unearthly drones and noises from his guitar.

A joyous reading of Richard Thompson's 'House of Cards' swiftly followed, while Los Lobos' 'Angel Dance' seduced the crowd of several hundred unfamiliar with Plant's new material.

Only time will tell whether 'Band of Joy' eclipses 'Raising Sand' but on tonight's evidence, it'll give it a damn good run.