Drivin ‘ n’ Cryin’ Pull into Orlando
Drivin ‘ n’ Cryin’ Pull into Orlando Drivin’ n’ Cryin’
w/Giddy Up Go
May 7, The Abbey, Orlando, FL
There have been many who’ve made the comparison that Kevin Kinney is a poor man’s Bob Dylan. I’d argue Dylan is a lazy man’s Kevin Kinney. Dylan has been a ubiquitous cultural presence since 1963. Those who have been lucky enough to have discovered Kinney’s deeply personal songwriting, either by accident or good fortune, will not easily dismiss him as a trite imitator.
Kinney and various incarnations of Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ have largely toiled underground with the exception of a brief flash of mainstream attention in the early 90’s. Whether this level of limited fame has managed to help Kinney maintain his artistic edge and integrity or simply forced him to always be moving, one can only speculate.
So here at The Abbey in downtown Orlando, before a crowd of true believers, Drivin’ n’ Cryin’, with special guest Warner Hodges on guitar, took the stage, warmly introduced, and eagerly welcomed. Musically, DNC’s was never easily pigeonholed. When alt-rock reigned supreme they never shyed away from proudly displaying their love of 
arena rock bands. And the set reflected this broad swath of taste by opening and closing with songs from the bands first album, “Scarred But Smarter.” “Let’s Go Dancing” kicked off this party. By the second chorus “Let’s go Dancing/Said the Firefly to the Hurricane” with every voice singing along; a joyous and intimate celebration. For those uninitiated, live, Kinney fills the songs with asides and strays from the verse-chorus-verse form into other songs, and often poignant storytelling. This looseness lends itself to a casual brilliance and part of the profound personal connection the audience often cites with the band.
“Underground Umbrella,” Honeysuckle Blue,” and “Fly Me Couragous,” were all played with energy and great aplomb. Warner Hodges, currently supporting his own solo CD ‘Gunslinger,’ took the mic and plowed through a rocker from the new release. Long time DNC bassist Tim Neilsen and Dave Johnson (drums) rounded out the lineup.
A vicious reading of “Scarred but Smarter” closed the set. Looking at Kinney, he can seem almost demure, but leading the band through this firebrand, he transformed into a positively unstoppable steamroller.
The encore, was memorable. Warner Hodges took the mic and related a story about his former band, Jason and the 
Scorchers rendition of “Absolutely Sweet Marie.” “Jason (Ringberg) didn’t tell us this was a Dylan song. We were punk rockers and we’d never a played it if we’d known it was. I just thought it was a great song Jason had written. Well we’re in the studio with this engineer who’s recorded ZZ Top and Jeff Beck and everyone, and he says, ‘That Dylan song really came together.’
I look at him and say what Dylan song?
He says, ‘Sweet Marie.’
I’m indignant! I’m like, Jason wrote that!”
The audience howled with laughter, but Hodges wasn’t done.
“Fast forward to a few years later and we’re on tour opening for Dylan. And we’re not playing it, out of respect. After 
the third night of the tour Dylan comes into our dressing room, and asks, (in a perfect Dylan impression) ‘How come you boys ain’t playin’ Sweet Marie?’”
With an ashen expression Hodges continued meekly, “Well, sir, because it’s your song. Then Dylan says, ‘Yeah, but you do it better than I do.’”
With Hodges singing, the band tore through the number like a buzzsaw splitting balsa wood. Kinney rejoined the band for “Straight to Hell” and “Blues on Top of Blues,” where he wandered into the audience. He posed for selfies with fans while playing and seemed to truly enjoy being ‘With the People.’
Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ have plenty of fuel left in their tank and let’s hope they refuse to follow the well meaning advice of those who might offer them something to lift their spirits. They have a lot more miles to cover yet.
www.drivinncryin.com
www.warnerehodges.com
