Guitar World: Watch Devon Allman and Duane Betts tear it up on a pair of new Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro V guitars.
https://www.guitarworld.com/news/watch-devon-allman-and-duane-betts-tear-it-up-on-a-pair-of-new-gibson-les-paul-traditional-pro-v-guitars
Of course Duane Betts looks like Dickey, Devon Allman, while taller and heavier, looks more like Duane Allman in the face than his father Gregg Allman.
Devon said Gregg owned 43 guitars at his death and gave all of them to Devon.
I like those zebra pickups. Well that is what they called them years ago. Dickey bought a lite sunburst Les Paul in 1972 with zebra pickups and it was his number one until 1974. It had more of a George Benson type tone than what Dickey had before. But it was another Les Paul of several Dickey didnt stick with long. The first time I saw what became known as Goldie, I asked the sound man what happened to that beautiful Les Paul with the zebra pickups and he said it wouldn't stay in tune.
Maybe it's a result of having been in this house for so long, trying to be respectful, venturing out only to hit the Grocery store or a trail (solo)...but I feel the need to voice this opinion. Maybe some will agree, I feel most will not. Where would these two be without the benefit of their last names? Duane has really come along and stepped right into the void his dad left, melodic phrasing with an occasional aggressive lick here and there. From the viewpoint of a fan who has grown up playing guitar and appreciating that "Allman sound" because of the original six...I ask, "Just how many times can one listen to a cover of Blue Sky"? Now I understand that these two are "Carrying the torch" & "Keeping the music alive"...But, if I want to hear "Blue Sky" I will throw on one of more than a few versions from the original band. Can Johnny S. play slide?....sure and he is pretty good, but there are hordes that are better. The slide playing here sounds "Obligatory" a needed piece of the sound that comes with the territory. When is this group going to release a single that captures our musical spirit? "Allman Betts Band"? Can you yell any louder that "We are the sons of famous rocks stars"!!!.....On Devon, sorry, but he comes across as a "Wanna be rock star" Average voice, average rhythm player, over the top "stage presence" but certainly displays the pre-requisite hair, jewelry & tattoos...Me, I don't get it. Anyone else here support music, solely because they love it?...and not because the performers are wearing their parents legacy?
Saw them in State College, PA last summer and really enjoyed the show. Only 2 ABB covers, the rest was their own material and a cover of Shakedown Street as an encore. I like their sound.
Sounds like you think of them the same way I react to TTB.
Eh, I get what you're saying. I'm not a huge fan of either on their own, and probably wouldn't pay to see Allman Betts Band, but I don't begrudge anyone who can make money playing music. They saw an opportunity and went for it and they definitely have their fans. Calling it "Allman Betts" might be a little much, but at least they have their own material so it's not just a tribute band.
Devon definitely had his own non-Allman sound and toured all over for years. Duane trailed his dad for years, but really didn't do anything interesting until he hooked up with Dawes. I think Stachela is the most talented one in the band.
They wouldn't be the first progeny of rock stars to find success in their parents' shadows and feel the pressure or need to honor that. Jakob Dylan, Amy Helm, Jason Bonham, Justin Townes Earle, Deacon Frey, the Marley kids, Lukas Nelson, Zappa's kids.. You can't pick your parents.
Jack Frost,
Are you suggesting that Derek Trucks is just an average guitar player, or is it that Susan is riding on her family's famous musical legacy?
Jack Frost,
Are you suggesting that Derek Trucks is just an average guitar player, or is it that Susan is riding on her family's famous musical legacy?
I can't speak for Jack Frost, but he speaks to me with his TTB reference.....Susan is by far the least talented musician in that band. She is a singer, who is a competent guitar player....Take a stroll through YouTube and you'll find scores of female guitar players, who are guitar players
Seeing as how I have never heard a cover of Blue Sky
1) "A cover song is your recording of a song that you didn't write"
2) "A recording or performance of a song that was previously recorded or made popular by another."
3) "A cover is a new performance or recording by someone other than the original artist or composer of a previously recorded song".
4) "A cover version of a song is a version of it recorded by a singer or band who did not originally perform the song."
5) "A recording of a song that was first recorded or made popular by somebody else"
Who wrote "Blue Sky"?
I can't speak for Jack Frost, but he speaks to me with his TTB reference.....Susan is by far the least talented musician in that band. She is a singer, who is a competent guitar player....Take a stroll through YouTube and you'll find scores of female guitar players, who are guitar players
Nope, don't agree. Susan is a very talented guitar player. Shredding a face-melting solo isn't the only qualifier to be a talented guitarist - though I've seen Susan bring the house down. In a band, everyone plays their part toward the greater whole.
1) "A cover song is your recording of a song that you didn't write"
2) "A recording or performance of a song that was previously recorded or made popular by another."
3) "A cover is a new performance or recording by someone other than the original artist or composer of a previously recorded song".
4) "A cover version of a song is a version of it recorded by a singer or band who did not originally perform the song."
5) "A recording of a song that was first recorded or made popular by somebody else"Who wrote "Blue Sky"?
Thanks for the lecture on the definition of cover song. I didn't know what a cover song was. Boy am I ever dumb.
I catch your drift man, you are basically rippin on any post-Betts performance of Blue Sky. And you really don't care and neither do I.
Betts wrote Blue Sky. I have not heard Blue Sky played live since I last heard him perform it. 🙁
All in good fun brother, too much time at the computer.
Outside and hitting a trail...
Wow man, i can't understand the mentality of someone on an ABB website pissing on these kids
for trying to do what they are doing.
Especially fellow musicians. It is a rough climate for working musicians and any way you can get
even a slight edge to get people listening is okay by me. I am personally excited to see where it
all goes.
Lastly, hordes of players better than Stachela? what constitutes a "horde" ...?
I agree with Dino on all he said.
Johnny Stachela? I can't think of hordes better, he can flat out play, paid his dues playing in California all these years, he deserves everything he gets, he is an awesome slide player, has his own sound and man does it sound sweet! And from what I have heard from mutual friends, a great guy too.
Wow man, i can't understand the mentality of someone on an ABB website pissing on these kids
for trying to do what they are doing.Especially fellow musicians. It is a rough climate for working musicians and any way you can get
even a slight edge to get people listening is okay by me. I am personally excited to see where it
all goes.Lastly, hordes of players better than Stachela? what constitutes a "horde" ...?
X2
Here's a link that showcases just how good these guys are. Very solid and good good musicianship.
<<>>
I mean really, he shoulda got Steve Vai. 😉
Musicians often work with other musicians based on chemistry, especially in rock music, rather than finding the person with the biggest chops. Derek and Susan clearly have great chemistry. He has been more visibly delighted onstage with the TTB than ever with the DTB or ABB.
She is a bad-ass singer who had already had a successful solo career, establishing her own name and brand before being with Derek. She is not at the top of my guitar poll either.
In terms of guitar responsibilities, I think of them as being like Jeff Tweedy and Nels Cline in Wilco; Nels is a highly rated and creative guitar monster who takes most of the solos. Jeff is the singer who gets a few solos in because Nels loves to hear that contrast.
BIGV, You such a negative Nico or a Danny Downer??? If You don’t dig it leave it at that maybe, Your opinion is valued as any! Post something of interest to You? I am sure You’ll meet with cordial appreciation either way?................joe
BIGV, You such a negative Nico or a Danny Downer???
I suggest you mow your own lawn and look back at some of the language you use when describing a President you don't care very much for.
BIGV, You such a negative Nico or a Danny Downer???
I suggest you mow your own lawn and look back at some of the language you use when describing a President you don't care very much for.
. President I don’t care for? Shute I got more admiration and respect for the morning side walk slug!!!! But that’s for the WP, just asking Why You seem to sh!t on things other folks are enjoying? You seem to go on at length and out of Your way to rip things on occasion ???.........stay low.....joe
Lol...BIGV would make a great troll. I don’t think he is one but what do I know....maybe just arrogant n opinionated? Truthfully, he n blackey are just what this place needs; probably keeps the lights on.
BIGV, You such a negative Nico or a Danny Downer???
I suggest you mow your own lawn and look back at some of the language you use when describing a President you don't care very much for.
So you compare a "president" with NO redeeming quality's. mocks, the disabled, insults woman, brags of sexual assault, lies with ever word from his mouth, to a great up and coming band, who's guitarists you insult, yet any of them could play circles around YOU? 😛
Everybody has their own line in the sand, I think it's fairly hypocritical to defend your own actions of being critical of someone for what ever reason while criticizing someone else for doing the exact same thing. While we are at it, I complemented Duane Betts while expressing an opinion about two others. I used no vile language, made no nasty references, just a couple of opinions that raised the ire of a few here and they have typically responded in a way that does not surprise me in the least.
On Devon, sorry, but he comes across as a "Wanna be rock star" Average voice, average rhythm player, over the top "stage presence" but certainly displays the pre-requisite hair, jewelry & tattoos...Me, I don't get it. Anyone else here support music, solely because they love it?...and not because the performers are wearing their parents legacy?
Disagree 100%. Caught Devon's former band Honeytribe at Sarasota Blues Festival 2007. They BLEW ME AWAY. Very hot progressive rock and roll band. Royal Southern Brotherhood was also an excellent band which called it quits maybe too early. You criticize Devon's musicianship Vince, but Yonrico Scott and Cyril Neville respected him enough to form a band with him. Guess I'll put their opinion above yours. I heard Duane play in a bar in Sarasota on that same trip and he impressed me too.
And your criticism of them using "Allman Betts" as a band name leaves something out. The names are both a blessing and a curse. Both of them are always going to be compared and judged in comparison to their legendary Fathers.
I was looking forward to catching Allman Betts for the first time in Santa Cruz on March 14th. Cancelled, coronavirus.
First, the video and LP's.
Very nice and I enjoyed. This is just personal preference, but that's the way guitars should be played. Player, guitar, cord, amp, done. I am not a effects/pedal guy, and love just hearing that tone from an instrument, bare minimum . I watch a lot of guitar review's on YouTube and a good part run through effects, way overdrive the amp and shred, some backing track's , production....its maddening to me and drives me crazy!!! 😛 😛 Ok off my soap box.
Second, on the Allman Betts Band.
Its all in what you like, no right or wrong.
I enjoy what they bring to the table. This is a young band and hopefully will stay together and mature and season.
I am glad there are newer/younger bands playing "rock" based music with guitars. That's what I want more of.
I think they are a band that is developing they're own sound. Which I admire. Sure they ae gonna play off of there influences....who does not as a musician? Especially who their fathers are.
Stachela…...wow! That guy is talented. He plays with that Allman vibe on the slide, but adds his own touch.
Johnny takes over at the 9:40 mark
Everyone has a plan, till you get punched in the face,
I love the Allman Betts Band, They have their own sound, The Down To The River disc is great, some vocals grew on me, some clicked, Every member is talented, Solid. Johnny is a player, Make sure you check Johnny & Duane on American Songwriters, it's a 1 hour intimate jam.They blend well, I'm looking forward to that new disc they've been releasing studio pic's of. I first saw Honeytribe open for Gregg in 2009. I met Devon while at the merch stand between bands. Sweet guy, I bought one of my fav signed Gregg posters from that tour.
These Are The Good Old Days
Melodies Are Memories
Down To The River
Devon's got some skills, You have to respect his chops, The name will only get you so far. These Gents pack the skills to go places.
Mahalo (Devon may not have Gregg's vocals, but Gregg never played guitar like this)
Sure Devon and Duane would likely be two more starving musicians out there playing clubs. It's hard to imagine them having the success their dad's did on their own and Duane Allman was probably largely responsible for Gregg and Dickey's success. If it were not for Duane Allman I'm not sure I would know who Butch and Derek Trucks, Jaimoe, Warren Haynes or Berry Oakley are here in 2020!!
But Devon is a millionaire and owns 43 expensive guitars and other equipment because of Gregg. And that is fine. Gregg loved his son.
Duane lives in a luxury condo in expensive Malibu, California and vacations several times a year in exotic places in Europe and elsewhere and recently went on a high dollar honeymoon. On stage every night before the virus canceled everything, Duane has a real nice Goldtop Les Paul that Dickey had also used as his number one and on certain songs uses a 1956 Stratocaster hardtail and a 1961 ES-335 dot neck and both of those guitars were played in the ABB on stage by Dickey. Duane Betts' father is a multimillionaire who lives in a Florida mansion with boat and dock and swimming pool and a nearby small private island. Dickey loves his son and that is how it should be.
When Duane Betts would sit in with the ABB and played with Great Southern, to me, he was just average or slightly below average. Then I saw him on TV with Dawes on David Letterman and he and that band was impressive. I saw Allman Betts earlier this year in Blacksburg, Virginia and the band was real good to me. Not like seeing the other ABB at the Fillmore, but they were good. Duane Betts was like somebody unzipped a rapper he had been in for years and out stepped a BETTER than average guitar player. Duane, Johnny on guitar and Berry on bass and I think Devon on a acoustic guitar, delivered a real fine version of Blue Sky and the entire show was definitely better than average with several real fine moments. Duane Betts is a different player now and Johnny and Berry are very good to me.
Sure Devon and Duane would likely be two more starving musicians out there playing clubs. It's hard to imagine them having the success their dad's did on their own and Duane Allman was probably largely responsible for Gregg and Dickey's success. If it were not for Duane Allman I'm not sure I would know who Butch and Derek Trucks, Jaimoe, Warren Haynes or Berry Oakley are here in 2020!!
But Devon is a millionaire and owns 43 expensive guitars and other equipment because of Gregg. And that is fine. Gregg loved his son.
Duane lives in a luxury condo in expensive Malibu, California and vacations several times a year in exotic places in Europe and elsewhere and recently went on a high dollar honeymoon. On stage every night before the virus canceled everything, Duane has a real nice Goldtop Les Paul that Dickey had also used as his number one and on certain songs uses a 1956 Stratocaster hardtail and a 1961 ES-335 dot neck and both of those guitars were played in the ABB on stage by Dickey. Duane Betts' father is a multimillionaire who lives in a Florida mansion with boat and dock and swimming pool and a nearby small private island. Dickey loves his son and that is how it should be.
When Duane Betts would sit in with the ABB and played with Great Southern, to me, he was just average or slightly below average. Then I saw him on TV with Dawes on David Letterman and he and that band was impressive. I saw Allman Betts earlier this year in Blacksburg, Virginia and the band was real good to me. Not like seeing the other ABB at the Fillmore, but they were good. Duane Betts was like somebody unzipped a rapper he had been in for years and out stepped a BETTER than average guitar player. Duane, Johnny on guitar and Berry on bass and I think Devon on a acoustic guitar, delivered a real fine version of Blue Sky and the entire show was definitely better than average with several real fine moments. Duane Betts is a different player now and Johnny and Berry are very good to me.
I think the entire band is exceptionally talented. Since you didn't mention in your post, I will. John Ginty on keyboards is excellent.
Thank you MartinD28. I didn't know his name but their keyboard player is very good. He was solid and impressive to me and the drummer and other drummer or percussionist were very good. Berry Oakley is strong on bass. He often moves or floats right then left when he plays. It is nice for an old 73 year old man such as me seeing the sons of three musicians that were part of an awaking or kinda religious experience for me in 1970 band together and sound good in their own right.
I will never forget what an unexpected epiphany I experienced musically in 1970 and the shows I had to attend where I could to feed this new ediction. And Duane Allman was like Oral Roberts leading a tent revival.
I was initially skeptical but hopeful for this band. How can we not root for Duane, Devon and Berry.
This band surprises me. They are all good players (Ginty and Stachela are great adds), and they seem to be better as a group than individually. Duane surprises me. Rare is the musician who comes into his own at his age. I do think that Dickey was a great influence but he sure kept him in the background in Great Southern. They all seem to like each other and came together at a time in their lives that most bands do not.
They have great respect for their heritage but are clearly not trying to be a tribute band. But damn, when they play Jessica or Midnight Rider, how can it not be more special than anyone other than the ABB. It has to be a double edge sword as someone mentioned. Their Dads set an unbelievable standard. However it did give them some degree of privilege and connections.
I hope the virus doesn't slow down their momentum cause they were building a lot. I guess we'll see
