Rated in my Top 10 Albums of 2013, this was my first time seeing The Alabama Shakes live.  The venue was Stage AE, located in Pittsburgh's North Shore destination, situated between the homes of both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirate stadiums.  The opening band, The Deslondes, set the mood with their country-soul vibe.  Although Dani and I were catching up and chatting away the night, the background sounds of this funky band facilitated a savory  start to the main attraction.  The Alabama Shakes came on a 9:20 PM, helping to maintain a steady  momentum within the venue.  Brittany Howard, the lead singer of this dynamic group, has such a powerful and distinct voice that filled the room.  From one song to the next, I felt like they were recording an album in one take.  We watched from the second floor of the venue never entering the pit with the die-hard fans.   I will definitely head back this summer for an outdoor show.\n\nCheck out the review and stream their album on my website:  http://wp.me/p43vGR-11z