Max Carl, Flying Like an Eagle

Max Carl, the former lead singer of .38 Special and Jack Mack & the Heart Attack, has gotten a supportive hand from a guy known for sparring with his colleagues, Glenn Frey. The former Eagle signed longtime buddy Carl to his fledgling label, Mission Records, then co-wrote material and co-produced his debut album, “One Planet, One Groove.” The two have since joined forces for some concert dates, including Friday’s show at the Galaxy Concert Theatre.

Judging by the enthusiastic reaction to subpar renderings of “Smuggler’s Blues” and the Eagles hit “Heartache Tonight,” many concert-goers in the near-capacity crowd turned out to see Frey. Too bad, because the evening belonged to the soulful Carl, a Nebraska-born, Georgia-bred singer-songwriter who brings to mind the great Otis Redding.

The versatile Carl, who has written songs for Bette Midler, Joe Cocker and Aaron Neville, left a lasting impression with his smooth but never slick vocal stylings, proving equally adept at belting out upbeat, got-to-dance selections (“Let the Good Times Roll,” “Mr. Lucky” and the Jack Mack-era “True Lovin’ Woman”) and slowing it down for emotive ballads (“Hold Onto Your Woman,” “I Qualify.”) Heck, he even soared into gospel territory with the inspirational “One More River,” which he co-wrote with Frey and Jack Tempchin.

Big Dance, Carl’s 10-piece band featuring a spicy, four-piece horn section and rock-solid percussionists Glen Caruba and Dwight Smith, added muscle and flavor to the 85-minute program. Tenor saxophonist Doug Moffet’s blues- and jazz-tinged solos were among the highlights, particularly the sensual, sizzling notes that sparked “Strong,” a tale about the virtues of embracing a strong-willed woman.

The predominantly fast-paced presentation sagged only briefly. After the carnival-like “Lil’ Sheba,” an ill-advised jam, spotlighting Carl on bass drum and the African, flute-like fife, started promisingly but soon lost steam and focus. Carl and his mates got back on track with “Everything Old Is New Again,” a fitting, spirited romp that showed just how timeless the Memphis-soul sound can be when placed in such capable hands.

Second-billed White Lies followed comedian Huck Flynn with an overly derivative set of pop- and heartland-rock. The biggest challenge facing this Orange County quintet is to transcend its obvious influences, which include Bruce Springsteen, the Gin Blossoms and the anthem-prone Alarm, to carve out its own musical identity.

Max Carl & Big Dance, with special guest Glenn Frey, play Tuesday at the House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 9 p.m. $15. (213) 650-1451.