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

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