Holy Smoke you aren't kidding!

Great stuff thanks for sharing. Got tickets to the Lowell Ma show in June yesterday. Really looking forward to it.

That is pretty good.

Duane Betts went from just an okay guitar player to a great player while he was with Dawes.

When I first heard Duane had been invited to join Dawes I thought "why would a snappy young band want him? Duane did some okay guitar solos with the ABB on Dreams and Samething and in the 2000s with Great Southern it was clear he didn't have the chops to be the other lead player and Duane actually wasn't. Dickey had other guitar players including Dan Toler to play twin lead with.

I took a careful listen to Devon and Duane on YouTube this weekend and Duane Betts and Devon too and the other young man, Stachela, are real players now. They could stand next to Clapton or Billy Gibbons or John Bonamassa or Derek Trucks and not be worried they would get blown off the stage.

Awesome!!!

I took a careful listen to Devon and Duane on YouTube this weekend and Duane Betts and Devon too and the other young man, Stachela, are real players now. They could stand next to Clapton or Billy Gibbons or John Bonamassa or Derek Trucks and not be worried they would get blown off the stage.

As a player for over 40 years now, I am going to have to disagree with you here. First and foremost we disagree big time about the skill set of Billy Gibbons, nowhere near the ability of EC. While I agree that Duane Betts has grown exponentially as a guitarist, he is pretty one dimensional. Mr. Stachela has found a groove as a competent slide player and Devon is all facial expressions and no feel. Not all guitar players and their abilities are judged solely on their ability to play classic ABB songs. There is a huge world of music and style out there that ventures into classical, jazz, bluegrass and finger picking.

Imho, you want to have a discussion about "Real players"? Let's start with Tommy Emmanuel and go from there...

So you are saying you think that Duane Betts, Devon Allman, and Stachela are hacks?

Where did I write that and use those words? I eagerly await your quoting me.

Your interpretation and stated opinion appear to be nothing more than attempt to start an argument in a thread where I have used what some may feel are flattering terms like "Exponential growth" and "Finding a groove"...Just an opinion my friend and if you had not noticed, this is not the Whippin' Post.

Where did I write that and use those words? I eagerly await your quoting me.

You didn't say "hacks", I realized the word was too strong so I deleted my post right away but you copied it before I did so.

Your post seemed to be saying you don't consider the guitar players in question to be "real players". To me a musician who is not a "real player" is a hack.

Pretty one dimensional

competent

All facial expressions and no feel

Not exactly glowing reviews.

[Edited on 5/6/2019 by BrerRabbit]

I like the solo on one of dads premier songs and respect he has come a long ways. I have high hopes
in a few more years they will play almost as well as the band (members) that I love so much.
Keeping my fingers crossed, Blackey wow, dishing out some serious praise.

Looking forward to these guys bringing their music to the northwest. Have heard some great reports from folks who went to the shows, rave-ups in fact.

Where did I write that and use those words? I eagerly await your quoting me.

You didn't say "hacks", I realized the word was too strong so I deleted my post right away but you copied it before I did so.

Your post seemed to be saying you don't consider the guitar players in question to be "real players". To me a musician who is not a "real player" is a hack.

Pretty one dimensional

competent

All facial expressions and no feel

Not exactly glowing reviews.

Edited on 5/6/2019 by BrerRabbit]

We hear different things... that’s a good thing

Thx for the link jones, also blackey for the eval - when the earlier vids came out I was not impressed at all, pretty much ignored these guys, until a friend back east saw them last year and insisted, forget youtube you gotta hear them live, they have that magic ABB vibe. Now seeing blackeys write up since he is a spoiled original line-up lucky dog who wouldnt countenance a weak imitation of the ABB tradition . . . I will buy the ticket when they come around, for sure!

As an old ABB fan (as obviously most of us are) the new ABB is a breath of fresh air. The boys seem to have a healthy respect for their lineage and want to also do their own thing. It is very cool to watch Duane play Jessica or Blue Sky, and for Devon to play Melissa or Midnight Rider. It is very cool to see Berry Oakley Jr playing the bass with energy and fun spirit.

I'd go see these guys in a heartbeat, and will. I think the big question is what kind of audience can they muster outside of the existing ABB audience. Their concert experience appears to be fun and from reviews I read, people are getting a lot more than they expected. Do they graduate to a genre similar to the Mule, or Tedeschi Trucks, or something else? I don't know. I do wish them the best though

BIGV BrerRabbit .

I didn't mean to indicate Billy Gibbons was Eric Clapton or that the 3 guitar players in the Allman Betts Band can play a 15 song show trading licks with people like Eric Johnson or Gary Moore or Eddie Van Halen or Steve Via. Well Moore is dead so that wasn't a good choice.

I'm saying unlike the Duane Betts I was seeing at Allman Brothers shows sitting in on a couple of songs each night, the way Duane is playing now he could do a solo on a blues song or a Layla album song next to Clapton and not get blown off the stage.

Just as Warren and Derek held their own with Clapton in 2009 at the Beacon. I am huge Warren and Derek Trucks fan but even I know they will never be a big as Clapton. Clapton is bigger than the Allman Brothers for that matter. Clapton is one of the premier guitarists in the world who has sold millions and millions of records and worth 300 million dollars. Warren and Derek will never equal that but neither will most very good guitar players.

Thx man - Nah you were clear. I got it the first time round, they could hold their own without getting blown off stage. Not hard to understand. Thanks for the consideration though.

Just as Warren and Derek held their own with Clapton in 2009 at the Beacon. I am huge Warren and Derek Trucks fan but even I know they will never be a big as Clapton. Clapton is bigger than the Allman Brothers for that matter. Clapton is one of the premier guitarists in the world who has sold millions and millions of records and worth 300 million dollars. Warren and Derek will never equal that but neither will most very good guitar players.

I love Clapton. He is definitely “bigger” than the ABB, Warren, and Derek, as far as success goes. Is Clapton “better” than they are at guitar? I’d say no. I say they are all pretty much on the same level.

I think Clapton got out of the gate like a thoroughbred in the 60s and was then caught and passed by quite a few players. His career was dead in the water 'til his appearance on MTV's "Unplugged". Jeff Beck is an absolute beast but never received the kudos because he was never a radio star....Imho, he is waaaay "better" than EC. Derek Trucks is more proficient than EC ...But. once again. most have a difficult time separating a "Grammy" award winner and record sales from "True" ability....

His career was dead in the water 'til his appearance on MTV's "Unplugged".

Not at all true, both Journeyman and 24 Nights were pretty solid hits, got a lot of radio airplay along with some solid touring. Even his 1980s albums that no one really remembers charted well. Never mind that "Tears in Heaven" was a hit single off of the Rush soundtrack the year before Unplugged.

I never really buy this guitar ranking business, some players are better at certain things than others, it's all subjective. How 'bout we all agree that Duane Betts has become a pretty solid guitar player after 15 years on the road?

Got one of these for my birthday:

Mr. Dickey Betts...:)

I think Clapton got out of the gate like a thoroughbred in the 60s and was then caught and passed by quite a few players. His career was dead in the water 'til his appearance on MTV's "Unplugged". Jeff Beck is an absolute beast but never received the kudos because he was never a radio star....Imho, he is waaaay "better" than EC. Derek Trucks is more proficient than EC ...But. once again. most have a difficult time separating a "Grammy" award winner and record sales from "True" ability....

I don’t know where to begin here. Other than, if you’re not a Clapton fan that all good. But, don’t lose credibility by completely trashing him. He’s not everyone’s cup of tea - nobody is - but he’s damn damn good, and IMHO deserves the pedestal upon which he’s often put.

I can’t quite figure out how someone could, with intellectual integrity, challenge Clapton’s skill/chops/whatever.

CMG x2, Cream, Blind Faith, Derek Dominoes, etc, EC is simply a beast. Yeah I get it not everyone's favorite but
solo career is also note worthy. The man has had more up and downs (addiction, broken marriages, losing a child) an yet continues.

I think Clapton got out of the gate like a thoroughbred in the 60s and was then caught and passed by quite a few players. His career was dead in the water 'til his appearance on MTV's "Unplugged". Jeff Beck is an absolute beast but never received the kudos because he was never a radio star....Imho, he is waaaay "better" than EC. Derek Trucks is more proficient than EC ...But. once again. most have a difficult time separating a "Grammy" award winner and record sales from "True" ability....

I don’t know where to begin here. Other than, if you’re not a Clapton fan that all good. But, don’t lose credibility by completely trashing him. He’s not everyone’s cup of tea - nobody is - but he’s damn damn good, and IMHO deserves the pedestal upon which he’s often put.

I can’t quite figure out how someone could, with intellectual integrity, challenge Clapton’s skill/chops/whatever.

I like EC, seen him in every decade, going to Phx in Sept to catch him again.....The man is a legend and there is no questioning his skills; don't see him as the best ever.

I think Clapton got out of the gate like a thoroughbred in the 60s and was then caught and passed by quite a few players. His career was dead in the water 'til his appearance on MTV's "Unplugged". Jeff Beck is an absolute beast but never received the kudos because he was never a radio star....Imho, he is waaaay "better" than EC. Derek Trucks is more proficient than EC ...But. once again. most have a difficult time separating a "Grammy" award winner and record sales from "True" ability....

I don’t know where to begin here. Other than, if you’re not a Clapton fan that all good. But, don’t lose credibility by completely trashing him. He’s not everyone’s cup of tea - nobody is - but he’s damn damn good, and IMHO deserves the pedestal upon which he’s often put.

I can’t quite figure out how someone could, with intellectual integrity, challenge Clapton’s skill/chops/whatever.

I like EC, seen him in every decade, going to Phx in Sept to catch him again.....The man is a legend and there is no questioning his skills; don't see him as the best ever.

Im a big EC and Jeff Beck fan, but am not sure how this thread devolved into an EC bash.
I thought it had to do with Duane/Dickey Betts.....

Man if a thread on my guitar playing turned into anything mentioning Clapton positive or negative I would be honored that my name was on the same page!

The thing with all of the guitarist mentioned is that when they are ( have been) at their best is comes with a high level of confidence in their ability.

For whatever reason I think the switch finally went on for Duane. I first noticed it on the videos surrounding Gregg's funeral jam at the big house... seemed to me that Duane was leading the various groups playing that afternoon...

Have also seen videos of him playing with Warren, Ronnie Earl, Jimmy Vivino and JD Simo recently... seems to be very comfortable.

The thing with all of the guitarist mentioned is that when they are ( have been) at their best is comes with a high level of confidence in their ability.

For whatever reason I think the switch finally went on for Duane. I first noticed it on the videos surrounding Gregg's funeral jam at the big house... seemed to me that Duane was leading the various groups playing that afternoon...

Have also seen videos of him playing with Warren, Ronnie Earl, Jimmy Vivino and JD Simo recently... seems to be very comfortable.

That is what I am seeing. Oddly never saw it in the DB and GS but only after. Was playing in his Dad's band too ominous a shadow? Whatever the case may be, he does seem confident and comfortable. There is a video, and i don't recall where, of Duane playing with Warren in Jamaica i think, and the Mule is playing Mountain Jam. Duane really went off on that one and it really surprised the heck out of me. I remember thinking "wow, he really has the feel now"

Duane Betts' switch was flipped when he was invited Dawes. After a few tours he left Dawes but Duane said he was still good friends with Dawes.

During Duane's last year with Dawes and afterwards his playing improved 10 times over.

When I read Duane was joining Dawes, I was surprised. Duane Betts was an average guitar player who seemed the same to me for 20 years of seeing him sit in with the ABB in the 90s and GS in the 2000s. Something really clicked when he got with Dawes and away from Dickey. But I don't know specifically what caused Duane to have this rebirth if you will.

Duane Betts' switch was flipped when he was invited Dawes. After a few tours he left Dawes but Duane said he was still good friends with Dawes.

During Duane's last year with Dawes and afterwards his playing improved 10 times over.

When I read Duane was joining Dawes, I was surprised. Duane Betts was an average guitar player who seemed the same to me for 20 years of seeing him sit in with the ABB in the 90s and GS in the 2000s. Something really clicked when he got with Dawes and away from Dickey. But I don't know specifically what caused Duane to have this rebirth if you will.

This is an easy one. Experience and constant playing. Just because Dickey stopped touring and playing, didn't mean Duane did. I recall seeing Derek Trucks with his band in early 2000. Thought he was good! But every year I saw him after with either his group or the ABB he got better and better. After his tour with EC, Derek's playing was off the charts good. It's just plain old hard work and experience if you ask me.

Also, Duane and Johnny really capture the ABB sound and vibe more so than any of the other "family" bands. Can't wait to catch them by me in July!!

[Edited on 5/9/2019 by blueskyJohnson]

Devon is all facial expressions and no feel.

Bingo! Always thought he tried too hard as well. Saw him with the Royal Southern Brotherhood and thought Mike Zito outplayed him.