Interestingly enough, while the Rolling Stones performed to a full house at the MCI Center last night, a band that owes much of its success to its ability to swipe some of the Rolling Stones’ swagger performed to a similarly full house over at the 9:30 Club.

Last night The Black Crowes began the first of a two-day stint at the club, working their way through almost three hours of soulful Southern rock from six albums spanning an 15-year career. Band leaders and brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, at right, were joined by original drummer Steve Gorman, guitarist Marc Ford, bassist Sven Pipien and keyboardist Eddie Harsch — probably the single most soulful skinny white Southerners out there — and complemented by two backing singers. The stage set-up was relatively sparse, crowded with equipment, decorated with fake candles, and framed by two large red curtains in the background — creating the impression of an old, dirty Southern joint.

From the gospel-infused “Soul Singing” to the straight-ahead rockers “Twice as Hard” and “Jealous Again,” the band easily jammed its way through songs few fans ever expected to hear live again after the feuding brothers Robinson split the band in 2001, only to re-unite earlier this year. Lead guitarist Marc Ford’s solos blended country and blues stylings, while Harsch’s piano and organ playing seemlessly tied together the band’s multiple parts. Gorman took an extended drum solo during “My Morning Song,” while the Robinson brothers alone played a wistful “This Is The Way.” And while singer Chris Robinson — yes, he is known for something other than his marriage to actress Kate Hudson — is clearly the band’s leading personality, the tightly-performed music hinted at a band simply happy to be performing together once again.

Of course, for every good there is a bad, and at yesterday’s show it was the volume. The band’s soundman either suffered from severe hearing damage or assumed the 9:30 Club was roughly four times the size it is — either way, the music was just too loud. The sheer volume took away from a sound that is often full and soulful, making Robinson’s otherwise impressive singing seem tinny.

And of course, with as many songs as a band like the Black Crowes could choose from, many had to be left out during last night’s performance. That being said, tonight’s attendees may be in for a whole new set list, and another full three hours of southern swagger.

Too bad the Rolling Stones won’t be around to see it. They’d be proud.