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ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND
Merriweather Post Pavilion | Columbia, MD | 08.18.02
From the opening note of “Revival” to the closing shot of “Mountain Jam,” the Allman Brothers Band showed something they have not displayed much of recently: an enthusiasm and energy for what they are doing. In the past few years they had become that worst of creatures: a living tribute band that trots out less than half a band of original members, and seems content to play the same songs night after night without trying anything new. They were getting away from what made them great to begin with. Instead of stretching their songs and searching for new ways to present their music, they would play the same set each night, with the same songs in the same spots, with the same segues, same jams and no energy.
Most headlines in the past couple of years have been occupied with the ugly departure of original guitarist Dickey Betts. With each side claiming a different reason for the break-up, only one thing is for sure about the split: it paved the way for Warren Haynes to rejoin the band after a five-year absence. Warren Haynes is the hardest working, most under-appreciated guitarist today. Note to so-called major music magazines: while you keep on having the likes of Britney, Linkin Park and other crap like that grace your covers, this man is currently working (both touring and recording new CDs ) with three major bands right now: Phil Lesh & Friends, Gov't Mule and the Allman Brothers. (There is also the rumor of a Warren solo CD to be released at the end of the year). In a time when people have forgotten about these flash-in-the-pan bands, and you can only find your past cover stories on Behind the Music or an episode of “Where are They Now?” you can then take my advice and do a story about Warren.
While Dickey Betts might not have been the sole problem that was ailing the Allman Brothers over recent years, Warren Haynes was definitely the solution. His playing and energy seem to have given newfound life to everyone in the band, especially singer/organist Gregg Allman. Allman is singing with and energy and clarity not seen for years. Haynes also awoke the songwriter in Allman, as they played a few new songs from an upcoming album tentatively titled Victory Dance. The best of which is a slow, contemplative look back on one’s life entitled “Old Before My Time.” The road-weary lyrics combined with Allman's gravely voice make this seem less of new song, but more of a long-lost Allman Brothers gem that one has not heard in a while.
Much of their new sound revolves around Haynes, but guitar prodigy (can he still be called a prodigy at this state of the game, or just a genius?) Derek Trucks had ample room to show off his slide guitar skills. Trucks and Haynes traded off solos throughout the night. In one instance they engaged in a bit of dueling slides, which was a sight to see and hear. Much of the new material revolved around these two, but it was also interesting to see how they reworked Allman classics throughout the night, including “Statesboro Blues,” “Midnight Rider,” “Black-Hearted Woman” and the monster set-closer “Whipping Post.”
One thing that has never been in question is the rhythm section of this band, with Oteil Burbridge providing one of the steadiest basses around, and the double-headed monster of Butch Trucks and Jaimoe on drums, rounded out by Marc Quiones on percussion. Oteil and the drummers really got a chance to shine during the encore “Mountain Jam.” The encore itself was almost thirty minutes long and included an extended drums section, which led into an Oteil bass solo that also allowed him to showcase his scat style of singing. The rest of the band then retook the stage and brought the show to a thunderous ending.
This is not the Allman Brothers Band that your parents knew: this is something new altogether. There are more members with the surname Trucks then Allman, the main tie to the past is the band name, and there’s a newfound energy and excitement that the entire band seems to play with. This does not mean they are any less relevant now, though. In much the same way as sports teams constantly change their rosters and play with different styles and varying degrees of success, the Allmans can be viewed in this same way. The New Yankees no longer have Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, etc., but they have a new roster of players and continue to win championships. This new Allman Brothers line-up does not have the hall-of-famers of the past (not yet, anyway; we will wait and see about Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes) but they have a line-up that is definitely now capable of winning a championship of their own.
Tim Newby
JamBase | Northeast
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