Since emerging from Atlanta with their 1990 debut, Shake Your Money Maker, the Black Crowes have found themselves annointed the poster children of the branch of American rock that traces it's roots to the rich Rolling Stones / Faces lineage. That those particular British bands were doing their best to honor and assimilate the music of their American heroes Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters, among others, seems to place the Crowes in the role of simply re-taking the territory.

But just as easily as they made the radio-friendly sound of Twice As Hard and Jealous Again their own, brothers Chris and Rich Robinson began their move into new sonic territory -- and charted their own considerable growth as songwriters -- on their second album, The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion.

While touring behind that album the band began to embrace the idea of working their familiar material into extended jams. Their greater sense of experimentation followed them into the studio, resulting in a more groove-based structure to the songs on their next albums, Amorica and Three Snakes and One Charm.

After taking a couple of years to re-tool the band lineup and their record company deal, they returned in January, 1999 with By Your Side, their debut for Columbia Records. Live Daily contributing editor Michelle Wong spoke with drummer Steve Gorman [ tickets ] about the current state of the band and the making of By Your Side.