Record Reviews

ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND ~ DOWN IN TEXAS `71 ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND 821229000219 (Barcode: 821229000219) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2021 This is an archival live album by the iconic American Rock band The Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist, recorded on September 28, 1971 at the Austin, TX Municipal Auditorium just a month before the tragic death of Duane Allman. It presents the first lineup of the group, which included the six founding members: guitarist Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist, vocalist / keyboardist Gregg AllmanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dickey BettsFind albums by this artist, bassist Berry OakleyFind albums by this artist, drummer / percussionist Jai Johanny JohansonFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. JaimoeFind albums by this artist) and drummer Butch TrucksFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Juicy CarterFind albums by this artist guests on six tracks. The album presents the band’s “usual” set played at the time, with nine tracks, one of which is over fifteen minutes long, and a bonus track with a radio interview with Duane Allman and Berry Oakley, recorded in Huston, TX on June 6, 1971. The music was carefully restored form the original tapes and the sound quality, albeit not nearly perfect, is definitely good enough to enjoy the music. The imminent comparison between this album and the “At Fillmore EastFind albums with this title” is pretty redundant. Each and every performance by the band was completely unique, even if the setlist was pretty stable. The presence of Carter had only a marginal influence on the overall sound and his contributions are hardly audible. The Allman Brothers Band was at the absolute peak of its form, following many concerts and common experiences, and as such produced the ultimate Rock album of all times just a few months earlier. They were an exceptionally gifted group of musicians, who played their hearts out and all this is evident herein. As far as Blues-Rock is concerned, this is simply a brilliant live album. And no, I never get enough of this band… Overall, this is another document of an exceptional band, and the times, when Rock was King and Gods were smiling at the gifted musicians, who produced timeless anthems, such as this. Rock improvisation, which is the name of the game here, never sounded better and is still light-years ahead of anything played today.

Updated: 11/01/2025Posted: 11/01/2025

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND ~ FILLMORE EAST, FEBRUARY 1970 (DELUXE EDITION) ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND 821229000011 (Barcode: 821229000011) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2018 This is an expanded reissue / remaster of the live album by the iconic American Rock group The Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist, released originally as a single CD in 1996. It presents the first lineup of the group, which included the six founding members: guitarist Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist, vocalist / keyboardist Gregg AllmanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dickey BettsFind albums by this artist, bassist Berry OakleyFind albums by this artist, drummer / percussionist Jai Johanny JohansonFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. JaimoeFind albums by this artist) and drummer Butch TrucksFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded at the Fillmore East in NY almost exactly one year before the iconic live album “At Fillmore EastFind albums with this title” album was recorded. The music was recorded by the great soundman Owsley StanleyFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Owsley “Bear” StanleyFind albums by this artist), who was Grateful DeadFind albums by this artist’s soundman for many years, and his recordings were released under the “Bear’s Sonic Journals” moniker, including this album. The original 1996 edition, which is a compilation of material recorded during the three nights Allmans played at the Fillmore East, February 11,13 and 14, 1970, was expanded by additional 2 CDs with the entire surviving material from those three nights, all restored and remastered, offering a superb sound quality. The imminent comparison between this album and the “At Fillmore East” is pretty redundant. One year later the band was at the absolute peak of its form, following many concerts and common experiences, and as such produced the ultimate Rock album of all times. But already at the time this music was recorded, Allman Brothers Band were an exceptionally gifted group of musicians, who played their hearts out and all this is evident herein. As far as Blues-Rock is concerned, this is simply a brilliant live album. And no, I never get enough of this band… Overall, this is a brilliant document of an exceptional band, and the times, when Rock was King and Gods were smiling at the gifted musicians, who produced timeless anthems, such as this. Rock improvisation, which was the name of the game here, never sounded better and is still light-years ahead of anything played today.

Updated: 24/03/2023Posted: 20/02/2023

CD 3 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND ~ FILLMORE WEST `71 ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND 821229000042 (Barcode: 821229000042) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2019 This is an archival live album by the iconic American Rock group The Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist, recorded during their weekend (three nights) residence at the San Francisco’s Fillmore West on January 29, 30 and 31, 1971, just six weeks before the band recorded their seminal / iconic live album “At Fillmore EastFind albums with this title”. It presents the first lineup of the group, which included the six founding members: guitarist Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist, vocalist / keyboardist Gregg AllmanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dickey BettsFind albums by this artist, bassist Berry OakleyFind albums by this artist, drummer / percussionist Jai Johanny JohansonFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. JaimoeFind albums by this artist) and drummer Butch TrucksFind albums by this artist. The album presents the entire sets of each night, with the first night on CD 1, the second on CD 2 and the third on CD 3 & 4, which also includes a 45 minutes long version of “Mountain Jam” recorded almost a year earlier (March 13, 1970) at The Warehouse in New Orleans. The music was carefully restored form the original tapes and the sound quality, albeit not perfect, is definitely good enough to enjoy the music without any hitch. The imminent comparison between this album and the “At Fillmore East” is pretty redundant. Each and every performance by the band was completely unique, even if the setlist was pretty stable. The Allman Brothers Band was at the absolute peak of its form, following many concerts and common experiences, and as such produced the ultimate Rock album of all times just a few weeks later. They were an exceptionally gifted group of musicians, who played their hearts out and all this is evident herein. As far as Blues-Rock is concerned, this is simply a brilliant live album. And no, I never get enough of this band… Overall, this is a dazzling document of an exceptional band, and the times, when Rock was King and Gods were smiling at the gifted musicians, who produced timeless anthems, such as this. Rock improvisation, which is the name of the game here, never sounded better and is still light-years ahead of anything played today.

Updated: 24/03/2023Posted: 24/03/2023

CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND ~ IDLEWILD SOUTH (45TH ANNIVERSARY SUPER DELUXE EDITION) MERCURY 602547346476 (Barcode: 602547346476) ~ USA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2015 This is a remastered / expanded reissue of "Idlewild SouthFind albums with this title", the second studio album by The Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist, originally released in September 1970. The Allman Brothers Band was America´s greatest ever Rock band, which combined superb songwriting, instrumental virtuosity and Rock improvisation in a way that no other American band was able to reiterate ever since. This edition adds five bonus tracks (two outtakes and two alternate takes, all previously unreleased, and a mono single version of one of the album´s songs). In addition this edition also includes the monumental live album "Live At Ludlow Garage 1970Find albums with this title", expanded by one previously unreleased track, which lasts about fifteen minutes. Considering the fact that the live album, recorded on April 11, 1970 (it was released only in 1990), was captured for posterity during the recording sessions of "Idlewild South", which lasted between February and July of 1970, produced by the legendary Tom DowdFind albums by this artist, it is an integral part of the band´s musical statement at that point of time and combining these two albums here makes perfect sense. The personnel on both albums features guitarist Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dickey BettsFind albums by this artist, keyboardist / vocalist Gregg AllmanFind albums by this artist, bassist Berry OakleyFind albums by this artist, drummer Jai Johanny JohansonFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. JaimoeFind albums by this artist) and drummer Butch TrucksFind albums by this artist. The studio album also features harmonica / percussion player Thom DoucetteFind albums by this artist. Most of the material performed by the band was written by Gregg Allman, Duane Allman and Betts, but included also the band´s versions of classic Blues anthems. In addition to the studio and live albums, this set also includes a Blu-Ray Pure Audio disc, with high definition sound mixes of the studio album and the four unreleased outtakes / alternate takes. Also included is an in-depth essay about the band by John LynskeyFind albums by this artist, with many photographs and detailed information about this set´s contents. This set in only the second best piece of music by The Allman Brothers Band, next to the celebrated "The 1971 Fillmore East RecordingsFind albums with this title", the recently expanded live album, which is absolutely the best live Rock album of all times. They don´t make music like that any more, that is a fact, and therefore the best we can do is listen for what the past left us as a legacy of our generation´s Culture. Thanks to the miracle of sound recording, even if music (and our Culture) continues to disintegrate as it does now, there is enough great music already recorded to last for eternity. This is just one of the eternal treasures.

Updated: 29/01/2019Posted: 30/05/2016

3CD+DVD 4 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND ~ LIVE FROM A&R STUDIOS ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND 821229111625 (Barcode: 821229111625) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2016 This is an archival live album by the iconic American Rock group The Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist, recorded for a radio broadcast on August 26, 1971 at the A&R Studios in NY. The Allmans were in top form, following the explosive success of their seminal / iconic live album “At Fillmore EastFind albums with this title” recorded half a year earlier, and of course completely oblivious of the forthcoming tragedy which was about to strike with the death of Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist just two months later. It presents the first lineup of the group, which included the six founding members: guitarist Duane Allman, vocalist / keyboardist Gregg AllmanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dickey BettsFind albums by this artist, bassist Berry OakleyFind albums by this artist, drummer / percussionist Jai Johanny JohansonFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. JaimoeFind albums by this artist) and drummer Butch TrucksFind albums by this artist. The album presents the entire set of that recording session, nine tracks of superb playing by the band, with two extended tracks running eleven and nineteen minutes respectively. The music was carefully restored form the original tapes and the sound quality is as perfect, as the forty-five years old tapes were able to capture it at the time, which is definitely good enough to enjoy the music without any hitch. During the performance the band pay tribute to their friend, saxophonist King CurtisFind albums by this artist, who was tragically murdered just a few days earlier. They included a medley of two songs in his memory, which is the longest track on this album and which includes what can be considered as the most monumental guitar solo by Duane Allman. As far as Blues-Rock is concerned, this is simply a brilliant live album. And no, I never get enough of this band… Overall, this is a dazzling document of an exceptional band, and the times, when Rock was King and Gods were smiling at the gifted musicians, who produced timeless anthems, such as this. Rock improvisation, which is the name of the game here, never sounded better and is still light-years ahead of anything played today.

Updated: 26/03/2023Posted: 26/03/2023

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND ~ MANLEY FIELD HOUSE, SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY, APRIL 7, 1972 ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND 821229000394 (Barcode: 821229000394) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2023 This is an archival live 2CD album by the iconic American Rock group The Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist, recorded some five month following the tragic Death of Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist, with the group following heroically as a quintet, led by keyboardist / vocalist Gregg AllmanFind albums by this artist and including the original members: guitarist Dickey BettsFind albums by this artist, bassist Berry OakleyFind albums by this artist, drummer / percussionist Jai Johanny JohansonFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. JaimoeFind albums by this artist) and drummer Butch TrucksFind albums by this artist. The album presents the entire set including an introduction and eleven tracks with the classic material that the group played at all gigs at the time. Two tracks last for over fifteen minutes and one for over twenty minutes, offering extensive instrumental improvisations, which characterized the live performances of the group. Obviously the loss of Duane makes its mark, but the quintet lineup performs remarkably well, displaying the usual high energy and dedication, which makes this music completely time resistant. The recording quality is absolutely fabulous, and allows the listener to enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of the event in full. Although this album does not add anything that the Allman Brother Band followers were not exposed to previously, but the character of the group and the individual talents were such a unique phenomenon that in retrospect every second of music performed by them is absolutely worth being remembered for posterity, and perhaps even studied by contemporary musicians, who have a hard time trying to create anything as remarkable and lasting as what can be heard here. Overall, this is another precious time capsule of Rock history, which captures music created by some of the greatest heroes of the genre, which over five decades after it was recorded sounds infinitely better that anything created today. It is a superb example of Rock improvisation at its best, as well as sublime songwriting and Blues-Rock tradition. An obvious must to all ABB aficionados, but all music lovers should find this enormously entertaining.

Updated: 26/03/2024Posted: 26/03/2024

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND ~ SYRIA MOSQUE, PITTSBURGH, PA JANUARY 17, 1971 ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND 821229000363 (Barcode: 821229000363) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2022 This is an archival live album by the iconic American Rock band The Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist, recorded just a couple om months before the band recorded their seminal / iconic live album “At Fillmore EastFind albums with this title”. It presents the first lineup of the group, which included the six founding members: guitarist Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist, vocalist / keyboardist Gregg AllmanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dickey BettsFind albums by this artist, bassist Berry OakleyFind albums by this artist, drummer / percussionist Jai Johanny JohansonFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. JaimoeFind albums by this artist) and drummer Butch TrucksFind albums by this artist. The album presents the band’s “usual” set played at the time, with eight tracks, two of which are over fourteen minutes long and one is over twenty minutes long. The music was carefully restored form the original tapes and the sound quality, albeit not perfect, is definitely good enough to enjoy the music without any hitch. The imminent comparison between this album and the “At Fillmore East” is pretty redundant. Each and every performance by the band was completely unique, even if the setlist was pretty stable. The Allman Brothers Band was at the absolute peak of its form, following many concerts and common experiences, and as such produced the ultimate Rock album of all times just a few weeks later. They were an exceptionally gifted group of musicians, who played their hearts out and all this is evident herein. As far as Blues-Rock is concerned, this is simply a brilliant live album. And no, I never get enough of this band… Overall, this is a dazzling document of an exceptional band, and the times, when Rock was King and Gods were smiling at the gifted musicians, who produced timeless anthems, such as this. Rock improvisation, which is the name of the game here, never sounded better and is still light-years ahead of anything played today.

Updated: 20/12/2024Posted: 20/12/2024

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND ~ THE 1971 FILLMORE EAST RECORDINGS MERCURY 602537736935 (Barcode: 602537736935) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2014 How does one take the best ever live Rock album and make it even better? This sensational set is the answer and the proof that is can be done. The music by Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist at their absolute peak, recorded live at the Fillmore East on March 12 & 13, 1971 (two shows each day) and again on June 27, 1971 produced initially the legendary "At Fillmore EastFind albums with this title" double LP, their third album, which in time earned the title of the best live album of all times, which is fully justified to this very day. The deluxe edition form 2003 expanded the contents to include about two and a half hours of music, but this edition takes it to the max, spread over six CDs and presenting the full five Fillmore concerts that served as the source of the earlier releases. At the time of the recording Allman Brothers Band consisted of guitarist Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist, guitarist / vocalist Dickey BettsFind albums by this artist, keyboardist / vocalist Gregg AllmanFind albums by this artist, bassist Berry OakleyFind albums by this artist, drummer Butch TrucksFind albums by this artist and drummer / percussionist Jai Johanny JohansonFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. JaimoeFind albums by this artist). Duane Allman died in a motorcycle accident on October 29, 1971 and Berry Oakley followed him a year later on November 11, 1972 in similar circumstances, which closed that chapter of this seminal band. The great thing about this set is of course the possibility to hear the music in a complete unabridged and unspoiled form, and then be able to compare the different versions of the same tunes. The set lists are very similar which results in same of the tunes to appear in five different versions. Of course in the case of Allman Brothers Band the extensive instrumental improvised passages differ considerably between each other and are a superb document of the role of improvisation in the Rock idiom. Duane Allman, who shortly before these shows completed his part in recording the seminal album "Layla And Other Assorted Love SongsFind albums with this title" with Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, was familiar with the extensive improvisational style, which Clapton developed during his Cream days. The two exchanged licks for hours, which can be heard on the 20th Anniversary Edition and the 40th Anniversary Super Deluxe Editions of "Layla" and obviously adopted them as part of the Allman Brothers Band routine. Listening to this music in depth allows the listener to be metaphysically transported a few decades back, when music was all about music and nothing else mattered. Every note played here is a statement of musical truth that these musicians wanted to share with their audiences. That required total dedication and commitment, which are sadly completely absent form today´s music scene. Luckily this set was not contaminated by various high-resolution bullshit remixes and other atrocities of the music industry´s confusion, simply giving the listener the naked truth, as captured at the time, for people who have two ears. For people who love Blues and Rock, this set is beyond essential!

Updated: 18/01/2016Posted: 18/01/2016

CD 6 Digibook Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND ~ WIPE THE WINDOWS, CHECK THE OIL, DOLLAR GAS MUSIC ON CD 14192 (Barcode: 600753959527) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1972 - 1975 Released: 2022 This is a reissue / remaster of the live album by the iconic American Rock group The Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist, released originally as a 2LP in 1976. It presents the group in the first years following the tragic deaths of their guitarist Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist and bassist Berry OakleyFind albums by this artist. The lineup of the band included the four founding members: vocalist / keyboardist / guitarist Gregg AllmanFind albums by this artist, vocalist / lead guitarist Dickey BettsFind albums by this artist, drummer / percussionist Jai Johanny JohansonFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. JaimoeFind albums by this artist) and drummer Butch TrucksFind albums by this artist, and new members: keyboardist Chuck LeavellFind albums by this artist and bassist Lamar WilliamsFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, taken from their album “Brothers And SistersFind albums with this title” and earlier albums. The newly remaster album offer a far superior sound quality to the original release. The album was poorly received at the time of its initial release, mainly due to the imminent comparison to the legendary “At Fillmore East” live album, which remains as one of the undisputable best live Rock albums of all time. However, the music and the performances on this album are all first class, as was always the case with The Allman Brothers Band and additionally it is a great document of the miraculous survival of the band, following their disastrous / catastrophic fate earlier on. Overall, this is superb live Classic Rock album in every respect, which emphasizes both the Blues roots of the group and their sublime Rock improvisations, which are most evident on the expanded tracks. No less important are the great songwriting abilities of Greg Allman and Betts, who wrote most of the material the group performed. This is a wonderful ride down the memory lane, which again and again states that “they don’t make music like this anymore”. Pure gold for Classic Rock and Allman Brothers Band fans!

Updated: 20/01/2023Posted: 20/01/2023

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend