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Deep Banana Blackout is opening for the Allman Brothers Band on their current eight night mini-tour and are bringing a lot of energy and excitement to the shows. Not to say that the Allmans or their fans needed a kick in the pants, but Deep Banana definitely enhanced the already magical experience of seeing the Allman Brothers. The Allmans family of course have quite a buzz around them as they kicked off yet another summer tour with their ever evolving lineup currently featuring Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks on guitars.
The current tour began in Birmingham, Alabama on friday night and then the scene shifted to Nashville, Tennessee and Louisville, Kentucky before heading east to New York. Those of us who were fortunate enough to be in Nashville and Louisville over the weekend were treated to two great shows put on by two great bands.
If you are not familiar with Deep Banana Blackout here is a little rundown on what to expect when you go to see them, which I strongly encourage you to do if you enjoy danceable music in the tradition of The Funky Meters or Stevie Wonder. The northeastern, Connecticut based Deep Banana Blackout is an eight piece band with a drummer, percussionist, guitarist, bassist, keyboard player and 3 horn players. The vocals are handled by various members of the band often singing four part harmonies, but most of the lead vocals are provided by guitarist Fuzz and recent addition Hope Clayburn, who augments her searing vocals by playing the flute and saxophone. Touring in support of their forthcoming July 17th Flying Frog label release Feel The Peel Deep Banana is a great, high energy funk band. As an opening band they unfortunately played to a half-empty house. Luckily those who were there in time, were able to see them sit in for two songs with the Allman Brothers.
Speaking of the Allmans, how about we discuss them since I know that's what most of you want to hear about. The Beacon run excluded, these were the first shows with Warren Haynes back in the lineup so there was a great deal of speculation and excitement in the crowd, and the band did not disappoint.
The Nashville show began with the standards "Ain’t Wastin Time No More," "Good Clean Fun" and "Midnight Rider." The band was tight right from the beginning and Greg Allman’s bluesy voice was as strong as ever. Next the band dove into "Rocking Horse," a rollicking Gov't Mule tune brought to the band by Warren Haynes. Following a rare "Wish To Believe," the Brothers brought out former member Jack Pearson to play some greasy slide on "Sailin' Across The Devil's Sea" while images of pirate ships, mushrooms and various band members flashed on the screen behind them. Jimmy Hall sat in with the band to provide harmonica for the always welcome "Feel So Bad" along with the song Greg described as "a song we played in the 80’s," "Just Before The Bullets Fly."
A solid version of "Soulshine" followed as Warren and Greg shared the lead vocals before playing the old time "Leave My Blues At Home." Soon after, the horn section from Deep Banana Blackout emerged to accompany the Allmans for the Otis Redding classic "I’ve Been Loving You Too Long" with Warren wowing the audience as he belted out touching lyrics. The high point of the evening came next as the Allmans, along with the horns and Fuzz, launched into a inspired, memorable rendition of "Southbound" with Warren and Hope one-upping each other in a great example of call and response between a guitar and saxophone that had the appreciative crowd in a frenzy. Surprisingly, the second straight Dickey Betts written song followed with Warren and Derek putting on a slide guitar workshop for the timeless "Jessica." The last guest appearance of the night, by guitarist Leroy Parnell coincided with the last song of the set, an explosive "One Way Out," with a solo guitar introduction by Warren. Tightly jammed out versions of "Dreams" and "Statesboro Blues" were the encore songs of the evening and sent the crowd home pleased but begging for more. Luckily, for many of us the odyssey continued on to Louisville the next night.
Peace,
Mir Ali
JamBase Midwest Correspondent
Go See Live Music!
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