‘Revival’ In Full Bloom: The Brothers Bring Fresh Fire To 2nd Madison Square Garden Show

When The Brothers announced they would return to Madison Square Garden after five years for a pair of concerts honoring The Allman Brothers Band, some fans wondered if the setlists would be different from night to night. Sure the Allmans’ repertoire was huge, but would they only play songs such as “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed,” “Jessica,” “Whipping Post” and “One Way Out” just once?

The band featuring ABB alums Jaimoe (drums, founding member), Warren Haynes (guitar, vocals), Derek Trucks (guitar), Oteil Burbridge (bass) and Marc Quinones (percussion) joined by Joe Russo (drums), Reese Wynans (organ), Isaac Eady and special guest Chuck Leavell (piano) answered that question at Wednesday’s finale with a performance that varied greatly from opening night. The Brothers went a bluesy route last night by delivering a 21-song performance featuring a mere six repeats. Plus, the ensemble took a different approach to most of the classics played at both shows.

After starting with “Statesboro Blues” on Tuesday, The Brothers kicked off the finale with another frequent opener — the pairing of “Don’t Want You No More” and “It’s Not My Cross To Bear.” The latter and ensuing cover of Eddie Kirland’s “Done Somebody Wrong” set the tone for the bluesy affair. Haynes then welcomed the crowd before leading the group through a singalong “Revival.” The blues was back in the air as “Every Hungry Woman” and “I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man” then were split by “Dreams.”

“Dreams” was the first repeat of the run, but while Haynes took the solo on Tuesday, Trucks did the honors on Wednesday. Trucks’ solo began as a whisper, slowly intensifying into an inferno of fretboard fireworks. The Brothers brought out Chuck Leavell after “Hoochie Coochie Man” and the legendary keyboardist stuck around for the remainder of the first set.

Leavell treated fans to an impassioned intro that heralded the beloved “Soulshine.” The vibes were high as Haynes led the group through his signature song. “Stand Back” followed and then Haynes shined once more on “Desdemona,” the last great Allman Brothers song and one featured on the group’s final album, Hittin’ The Note. The Brothers put an exclamation on the set with “Jessica,” the only repeat in the frame besides “Dreams.” Chuck Leavell threw down one memorable run of notes after another before laying into his iconic solo. They had to play “Jessica” at both shows and most in the crowd seemed to love every minute of it.

The Brothers offered a beautiful “Melissa” to open the second set. Haynes then fronted the bluesy “Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’.” It was then back to the ABB’s ’90s output for “No One To Run With.” As done on Tuesday, a photo montage of Allman Brothers’ members, family and associates who have passed away was shown on the screens at The Garden while The Brothers worked through the song. An image of late Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh received a big roar from the audience as did pictures of Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Butch Trucks, Duane Allman and Berry Oakley. Wednesday’s “No One To Run With” began with a percussive base laid down by Russo, Jaimoe and Quinones and had a much more rhythmic feel on night two.

Chuck Leavell reemerged for “Midnight Rider” and was aboard for the duration of the closing stanza. The subsequent “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl” contained perhaps Derek Trucks’ best solo of the run. Trucks crafted a narrative arc in which he used every part of his instrument. Growls came from his SG and Derek went so far as to manually detune his guitar to garner wild and inventive tones.

Leavell sang lead on the “Blue Sky” that followed, which like the previous night was the only time a song was fronted by someone other than Warren Haynes. Chuck also took a fierce solo between strong runs from Trucks and Haynes. “Les Brers In A Minor,” a highlight of the night, came next. How could The Brothers not play “Liz Reed” at both nights? By filling the slot on Wednesday with the powerful “Les Brers,” another stellar instrumental from the ABB’s early days. A raucous “Southbound” closed the second set and once again “Whipping Post” was the lone encore.

The Brothers’ two-night stand at MSG was a huge treat. Russo was the ideal choice to power the band on “lead drums” and Haynes, Trucks and Burbridge have only gotten better with age. Wynans shined on organ, showing why he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Double Trouble. Here’s hoping fans don’t have to wait five years until the band reunites again.

Livestream replays are available to purchase at nugs.net. Stream an audience recording of The Brothers’ finale at Madison Square Garden taped by Alex Leary below:

Videos

Setlist

Set One: Don’t Want You No More > It’s Not My Cross To Bear, Done Somebody Wrong, Revival, Every Hungry Woman, Dreams, I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man, Soulshine*, Stand Back*, Desdemona*, Jessica*

Set Two: Melissa, Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’, No One To Run With, One Way Out, Midnight Rider*, Good Morning Little School Girl*, Blue Sky*, Les Brers In A Minor*, Southbound*

Encore: Whipping Post

* – with Chuck Leavell