Seemed to me the ABB was a mysterious band where everyone was always better than everyone else, so all you could do was marvel at the snergy.

There is no ABB, without the voice of the band!

Whoever first said that music isn't a competition should have been given an award!

Seriously, since you ask for comments mine would be "Pointless".

You seem to be indicating which member acted as "musical director" at any given point.

As big a Chuck Leavell fan as I am, I am not sure he ever either attained or was accepted in that capacity. In Scott Freeman's book (the one the band hates), he quotes Butch Trucks as saying (paraphrased here) that when Chuck attempted to take charge, he found himself shoved against a bathroom stall door (he didn't say by whom). Perhaps he should have been handed the reins during this period?

Oteil certainly seemed to at least share directorial duties during his tenure. At one of the last Beacon shows that I attended, you could tell that the band was taking cues from him - at least during certain portions of the show.

A band performs as a unit. When this happens, it is difficult to pick an MVP. For me, it all becomes one big sound.

You seem to be indicating which member acted as "musical director" at any given point.

As big a Chuck Leavell fan as I am, I am not sure he ever either attained or was accepted in that capacity. In Scott Freeman's book (the one the band hates), he quotes Butch Trucks as saying (paraphrased here) that when Chuck attempted to take charge, he found himself shoved against a bathroom stall door (he didn't say by whom). Perhaps he should have been handed the reins during this period?

Oteil certainly seemed to at least share directorial duties during his tenure. At one of the last Beacon shows that I attended, you could tell that the band was taking cues from him - at least during certain portions of the show.

A band performs as a unit. When this happens, it is difficult to pick an MVP. For me, it all becomes one big sound.

Agree very much.

Also a big Chuck fan.

Question - Am not a big Rolling Stones fan, but did I once read where Chuck is their musical director?

I'm pretty certain Chuck is the musical director of the Rolling Stones tours Martin.

Hey Rusty, good point you make about Oteil. It certainly seems to me that, especially on "Rocking Horse," the band let Oteil run the show. The bass intro into that song is just magic. I've often wondered when that was added. I'm pretty sure the intro was not there in 2004. I've also wondered if Oteil gets a writing credit for the intro. It came long after the song was originally written but, for me, the bass introduction really changed "Rocking Horse."

In fact, I'm always a little disappointed with Gov't Mule's version because they never do the extended introduction.

69 - 71 - Duane and Gregg. Duane the vision and Gregg had the songs and voice.

72 - 75 - Dickey all the way. I love Chuck but Dickey was peaking and took over completely as the writer.

89 - 93 - Dickey who brought the elements of the original band when he brought Warren aboard and Dickey writes killer tunes that help the reunion.

93 - 96 - Warren was unstoppable.

01 - 05 - Warren saves the band by returning. Writes the songs. Adds the needed 2nd singer. Killer playing and Band leader.

06 - 14 - Derek/Warren - Warren all of the above. Derek as he just continued to improve especially when not using a slide. I give it to both as without either there was no ABB.

Chuck get the band together and does the heavy lifting and the Stones just show up at rehearsals when the band is all ready. I once saw the Stones without The Stones in an airplane hanger during rehearsals for the tour. Everyone except the 4 guys. Sounded great and Chuck was on fire.

Because of cash bands will have members like Chuck for 25 years and never make them official members which to me sucks. But if it doesn't bother Chuck then why should I let it get me down. 😉

Regarding exactly who was the musical director of the ABB at any given point - I remember reading where Gregg said that one of the reasons he built his current solo band was that there were, " a lot of band directors in the Allman Brother's Band." Not a hard idea to fathom, especially seeing how most all of these guys had great bands of their own!

Yeah but Gregg and Butch said lots over the years that didn't have a foot in reality. LOL

Music is not a contest.

Agreed, music is not a contest.

... and yet I can't help feeling that Mumford & Sons are losers.

The original poster knew this would be subjective and an entertaining exercise.

But, without the drumming in the background, there is no ABB sound as far as I am concerned.

69 - 71 - Duane and Gregg. Duane the vision and Gregg had the songs and voice.

72 - 75 - Dickey all the way. I love Chuck but Dickey was peaking and took over completely as the writer.

89 - 93 - Dickey who brought the elements of the original band when he brought Warren aboard and Dickey writes killer tunes that help the reunion.

93 - 96 - Warren was unstoppable.

01 - 05 - Warren saves the band by returning. Writes the songs. Adds the needed 2nd singer. Killer playing and Band leader.

06 - 14 - Derek/Warren - Warren all of the above. Derek as he just continued to improve especially when not using a slide. I give it to both as without either there was no ABB.

In my mind you are spot on re: Warren 01-05. The second voice gave us 2 1/2 hr beacon shows. The old regime was headed towards 70 minute shows in third line venues (cause of age and energy)

like any great band, the whole >> the sum of its parts

"Agreed, music is not a contest.

... and yet I can't help feeling that Mumford & Sons are losers."

Well played, sir!!!

It's a fun idea! I'll nominate Oteil as the best player for '99.

Rhythm players tend to get short shrift in things like this since I can't meaningfully evaluate the drummers, who played the most demanding instrument and did remarkable things every night... the ABB had never had anybody like Oteil. He bought an out-there jazz sensibility that the band hadn't pursued that much. Maybe Chuck did, sometimes, if he got a solo and Dickey wasn't watching him too closely. 😉 They'd had bass solos, but playing and scatting Little Martha and other songs was a universe apart from the ABB's roots. On the six string he really expanded the harmonic possibilities for the band. In '99 he was still new to the band after replacing Woody, which was still a big deal since the band's long-term future was not clear (and the situation inside the band can't have been great). Then band had its second guitar change in three years. But he continued to do new and incredible things and fit himself into the band's sound during that difficult period. The ABB wound up going in Oteil's direction because he vibed with Derek so well, and later Jimmy and Warren also had a stronger connection to what Gregg called Oteil's Stanley Clarke side than Dickey did. He tried out more instruments onstage than any other band member - he dabbled on drums, banjo, and vocals - and his willingness to do that, or play dual basses with Derek, added fun and reflected his Bruce Hampton side. So while I wouldn't call him the on stage musical director I think that shows Oteil had a big influence on the band's musical direction as their longest-lasting bassist. He deserves player of the year for 1999. I'll add that Derek and Oteil should share the spotlight for 2009. They were worth the price of admission alone that year.

[Edited on 4/25/2017 by Marley]

I would have to say that in that in my opinion Warren Haynes seemed the MVP of sorts in the post-Dickey version of the band. That isn't to diminish anyone else, he just seemed like the glue.

But as a collection of musicians and what they contributed and places they took the band, the music and us every night I think the sum is greater than any single part.

'69-70- Duane & Greg
'71 - Duane & Berry
'72 - Berry & Dickey
'73-74 - Dickey - was up & down until gone & Greg
'74-75- - Chuck- good musician but brought different style & sound in to band
'76-'93 -No Interest up to '99 really
'93-96 - Warren,Woody ?? not too sure really,(only 1/2 paid attention)
'97-98 - Jaimoe,Butch
'99-00 - Oteil -brought a busy jazzy feel back into band,started to make things interesting again.
'01-05 -Warren,Greg& (Derek starting in) things starting to heat up again & get intesting
'07-end - Derek consistently all the way & Warren stepping back bit. Greg on & off throughout.

Liked it when Derek & Oteil entered & seemed to bring out the best of Greg & drummers & back to roots of ABB again,esp Derek. Too bad ABB never collaberated with him & Warren writing new stuff-would've been interesting to see where abb went.

[Edited on 4/25/2017 by bettyhynes]

It's a fun idea! I'll nominate Oteil as the best player for '99.

Rhythm players tend to get short shrift in things like this since I can't meaningfully evaluate the drummers, who played the most demanding instrument and did remarkable things every night... the ABB had never had anybody like Oteil. He bought an out-there jazz sensibility that the band hadn't pursued that much. Maybe Chuck did, sometimes, if he got a solo and Dickey wasn't watching him too closely. 😉 They'd had bass solos, but playing and scatting Little Martha and other songs was a universe apart from the ABB's roots. On the six string he really expanded the harmonic possibilities for the band. In '99 he was still new to the band after replacing Woody, which was still a big deal since the band's long-term future was not clear (and the situation inside the band can't have been great). Then band had its second guitar change in three years. But he continued to do new and incredible things and fit himself into the band's sound during that difficult period. The ABB wound up going in Oteil's direction because he vibed with Derek so well, and later Jimmy and Warren also had a stronger connection to what Gregg called Oteil's Stanley Clarke side than Dickey did. He tried out more instruments onstage than any other band member - he dabbled on drums, banjo, and vocals - and his willingness to do that, or play dual basses with Derek, added fun and reflected his Bruce Hampton side. So while I wouldn't call him the on stage musical director I think that shows Oteil had a big influence on the band's musical direction as their longest-lasting bassist. He deserves player of the year for 1999. I'll add that Derek and Oteil should share the spotlight for 2009. They were worth the price of admission alone that year.

[Edited on 4/25/2017 by Marley]

Interesting observation about Oteil, I can see your points about his impact on the band. Berry Oakley also was an incredible force but as long as Duane was there, he was not going to get the kudos during that era for the short time they played.

I would also nominate Chuck for 1973. I have always felt that the ABB was "more different" in that year than any other year prior and most after due to Chuck. Aside from two keyboards players, the ABB were as jazzy during that year than they were any other year, IMO. Just listen to any IMOER or Les Brers or WP and you will hear such a different feel than any other eras. Dickey was the 800 pound gorilla and rightfully so, he was a tour de force. I give Chuck props in 73 though

When we saw the ABB in Summer 1997 with Oteil, we were still in the mindset of "can't believe Warren & Woody left." After that night, we thought Oteil might be the best musician to ever be in the band.